It All Adds Up
View from the Hill
July 25, 2008
Let me remind you of the admonition that closed April´s View from the Hill. As U.S. Senator Everett Dirksen (1896–1969) famously said, "A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you´re talking about real money."
And so it goes, now that the legislature has passed the state´s FY2009 budget. To be sure, Governor Patrick returned a few vetoes, a paltry $122.5 million out of $28.3 billion, less than one half of one percent. However, hundreds of millions of dollars in earmark amendments for local projects were spared the governor´s veto knife: a gazebo here, a town hall renovation there. State spending on projects of strictly local enjoyment is always difficult to justify. It´s all the more so in the current climate of economic uncertainty, crumbling infrastructure, debt-and-deficit-laden public transit and ever-expanding appetite for services that their proponents insist are indispensable.
Little wonder that the governor has asked the legislature for expanded power to cut expenses in mid-year. When the usual "tax & spend" excess gives way to "spend and figure out later how to tax," we are in trouble, and the governor knows it.
It´s not all about dollars and cents. I call your attention to foster care, an issue that needs a helping hand in the First Middlesex communities. In dealing with recent constituent issues, I have learned that our district is seriously lacking in foster homes. Children in need must be placed, sometimes outside of familiar surroundings. This can lead to poor outcomes by forcing children into homes in unfamiliar environments, education in unfamiliar school systems, and development away from trusted friends and mentors.
In partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, I hope to raise awareness regarding foster parenting. To be a foster or adoptive parent:
- You can be single, married, partnered, divorced or widowed;
- You can either rent or own you home, so long as it provides a safe environment;
- You must be willing and able to communicate with children to assist them in working through any negative prior experiences;
- You can be an at-home Mom or Dad, or be a working parent;
- You must be ready to summon your own strength and life experience in order to care physically and emotionally for a child in crisis;
- And a sense of humor is always helpful.
Foster care placements usually last from three to 18 months. Even a temporary commitment to giving foster care can make a world of difference in a needy child´s life.
This is a high calling. If you can´t commit to becoming a foster or adoptive parent, there are other ways to help:
- Distribute recruitment materials in town;
- Provide space for meetings, support groups or training sessions;
- Become a volunteer Case Reviewer;
- Mentor youth in the foster care of others;
- Donate to the Kids Fund at www.kidsfundinc.org.
I encourage you to learn more about foster and adoptive parenting. Please call 1-800-KIDS-508 or visit the Department of Children and Families´ Web site at www.mass.gov/dss.
A better childhood here, another there, and pretty soon you´re talking about a solid community.
