Posted On: September 1, 2007, 5:33 pm CDT

Posted By: Debbie

It seems like this country is turning more and more into a 3rd world country. It is starting to look like we are just working to pay the legislators salaries, instead of them working to earn the benefits they are receiving as well as serve the interests of the people. It certainly doesn't appear that they are representing the "common people". When a person had an interruption in employment, for whatever reason, I don't think they should be penalized. This piece of legislation impacts those that can least afford it and there are so many other more important issues that need to be addressed. Issues such as uninsured children. Rather than trying to criminalize a person, why don't they try to address more important issues and find a way to fund their departments through a more efficient means. If an individual is unable to afford the insurance and you take away their means of transportation to and from work, how is that going to negatively impact the city/state/federal resources? (welfare, etc.) There should be more of a focus on putting more people to work, so they can afford insurance (auto, health, etc) I am not sure what the "real agenda" is in passing this piece of legislation, but I think that the Texas legislators have lost their way and need some guidance.