Saturday, September 13, 2008

Could YOU Live at 17% of the Median Income?

In response to a Washington Post column by Bush partisan Michael Gerson, "Rob" posted some stats that illustrate the challenges that people with disabilities face. Government already does so little -- when will Gov. Palin or Sen. McCain tell us if they will increase funding? Her interview suggested that veterans benefits are "off limits," but everything else is fair game for cuts. Here are Rob's comments:

"No parent is prepared for the birth of a child with a disability, nor is a parent prepared for the lack of support by our state and federal governments for their child. The federal government provides many persons with a disability Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration. SSI amounts to about $800 a month depending upon where you live.

"It means that a person with a disability is living at roughly 17 percent of median income. You cannot afford an apartment anywhere in the country on 17 percent of median income and still have money to pay for food, medical expenses, and utilities. Is Sarah Palin going to increase housing subsidies, aide services, and heating and utility assistance for persons with disabilities so they can have a decent life? Not likely."

Posted by: Rob | September 12, 2008 10:29 PM

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