The Sentinel

Op-Ed |
Congress is taking from the poor and giving to the rich

Let’s say you’re lucky enough to get housing at that wage. Do you then spend all your money on rent and skip nutritious meals for your family?

by Jocelyn Smith
OtherWords

I know how it feels to be hungry and homeless.

That’s why after work, I drive around town and pick up leftover food from restaurants, schools, grocery stores, and special events. My fellow volunteers and I set up in a big parking lot in our downtown to make this food available to anyone who shows up — no questions asked.

And it’s why other volunteers and I also work to find empty housing units that have fallen into disrepair because the landlords can’t afford the upkeep. We raise money and give them grants so they can bring the units up to code for use as low-income housing rentals.

I’m proud to do this work. But it’s no substitute for fair, living wages and a reliable public safety net. The minimum wage where I live is $12 — well below the $21 per hour the National Low Income Housing Coalition has calculated is necessary to afford a market rate two-bedroom rental locally.

Let’s say you’re lucky enough to get housing at that wage. Do you then spend all your money on rent and skip nutritious meals for your family? Or do you skip health care and medication? If you have a paycheck and a roof over your head, you might not qualify for food assistance, even if you don’t make enough to make ends meet.

foodbank photo — Foodbanks play a crucial role in addressing hunger and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food when they are unable to afford or access enough food on their own.

I work, volunteer, take care of my child, and I’m fortunate enough to have housing. But I still need to rely on SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as “food stamps” — for my family.

My daughter has epilepsy, and thankfully I was able to get her onto Social Security Disability Insurance. However, she needs not only costly medication but also frequent neurological supervision and a device that helps to stop her seizures. There’s no neurologist in our town who can treat her, so we have to travel and lodge hours away for it.

when we need help, the bar for our income shouldn’t be so low that we must be nearly destitute, without any savings or emergency cushion, to qualify.

The expense is enormous, and that’s not even getting into expensive medications for my own heart problems and autoimmune disorders. Thankfully, we qualify for Medicaid. Otherwise, treatment would be out of reach.

But what does it say about our policy priorities when we need to say, “I’m disabled, taking care of my disabled daughter, I work, and I help feed my community, and yet I need assistance affording meals for my family?” These are the realities that a good society plans for so we can all thrive, no matter what obstacles life throws our way.

The programs our tax dollars pay for so families like mine can get help when we need it must be more robust. Programs like SSDI shouldn’t be so inaccessible. Food, housing, and health care shouldn’t be so expensive — and wages shouldn’t be so low that these basic necessities are unaffordable.

And when we need help, the bar for our income shouldn’t be so low that we must be nearly destitute, without any savings or emergency cushion, to qualify.

Is Congress working on any of this? Unfortunately, no. Instead, they’re doing the opposite right now.

In fact, the GOP budget proposal would slash $880 billion from Medicaid and $230 billion from food assistance. They’re also cutting government agencies that assist with affordable housing, transportation, safety, veterans, and children with disabilities.

Why? Because they need to find at least $4.5 trillion to give even more tax cuts to the wealthiest and largest corporations. They are reaching into my very shallow pockets, into my daughter’s life-saving medical care, and into the mouths of those who come to my food table in that parking lot.

They’re stealing from us to give to the rich, perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty that keeps people homeless and hungry.

I don’t think that’s fair. Do you? We all deserve better.

Jocelyn Smith lives in Roswell, New Mexico. She works at a local talk radio station, runs a local Food not Bombs chapter, and volunteers at Rehab to Rental, helping to increase affordable housing options. This op-ed was produced in partnership with the Institute for Policy Studies and the Working Class Storyteller and distributed by OtherWords.org.

Homer Pickleball Group to host tournament on April 26

HOMER - The Homer Pickleball Group will host a pickleball tournament at Old Homer Park on April 26 in Homer. The tournament, co-hosted by the Homer Masonic Lodge, is a fundraiser for their community efforts.

Featuring four divisions—men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and singles for both men and women—the event kicks off with women's doubles at 11 a.m., with singles competition running from 5 to 7 p.m.

"We're excited to have this tournament mostly for the community! That's what pickleball really is - a community of people cheering on players, enjoying great games, meeting new people and making friends," says tournament organizer Mandy Garrard. "It's exciting to see everyone looking forward to a unique tournament and having it on our new courts! We want everyone to come out for a fun day at the park!"

The tournament will use a unique blind draw format to pair partners for the doubles divisions.

"This tournament is different than any other tournament in the local areas because you don't enter with a partner," Garrad explained. "We want to encourage anyone who is beginner or advanced to sign-up- you don't know who you might play with."

Based on the enthusiastic response to registration, Garrard anticipates a substantial turnout.

"We have had such an overwhelming response to sign-ups- it's been truly amazing!"

There are limited spots available for anyone who hasn't signed up. Registration closes on April 20. The entry fee is $10 for the first event and $5 for each additional division.

Proceeds from the tournament will support the Masonic Lodge, which has been active in the community since 1856, funding events such as donations to the Homer Public Library, veterans groups, scholarships, Scholastic Bowl entries, and more.

Since fall 2023, the Homer Pickleball Group has grown to 195 members.

"It has been amazing to see the group grow so quickly and to have players come to the courts for open play nights from all over as well," Garrad added. "We've had players coming from Champaign to Sidell and in between to play on our courts!"

Tournament prizes include gift cards from local businesses and keepsake awards for the top three places. Participants will receive a swag bag, and first-place winners in each division will also receive a championship button/pin and gift certificates to Casey's General Store and Happ-y Daze Shine Car Wash in Homer. Second and third-place winners will receive runner-up or third-place pins.

Food and refreshments will be provided by Charlie's Grubb & Sudds food truck of Homer.

"We hope the turnout will great!"

For more information visit the Homer Pickleball Group Facebook page.