7 in 10 live births in New Mexico are on Medicaid. Astonishing, troubling…arguably, the most painful statistic of all for New Mexicans wondering whether their state truly is in a “death spiral.”
Medicaid is a federal/state program designed in part to assist poor and relatively poor people. When it comes to births though, the fact is that it is only the young who have kids. No amount of wealthy retirees from more economically-free states can gloss over or bring up New Mexico’s 7 of 10 number. That is the scary thing. We talk about the next generation…this is the next generation of New Mexicans and they’re being born on welfare.
Check this out from John Goodman an analyst who deals with health care policy on a national basis as he decries the fact that nationally, four out of ten Americans are born on Medicaid. They’ve got nothing on us!
Gov. Martinez has agreed to increase the number of New Mexicans on Medicaid by accepting the ObamaCare bribe of more money. What will be the dependency ratio in New Mexico once that expansion is complete?
Is this situation devoid of hope? No. Economic freedom and free markets have proven track records of reducing poverty. Government programs like Medicaid only increase dependence and exacerbate the cycle of poverty. New Mexico needs political leaders to enact policies that increase economic freedom. Will New Mexicans demand prosperity or satisfy themselves with poverty?
Some will satisfy themselves with poverty. Three situations I am aware of: an extended family member intends to “strike while the iron is hot” and get on that federal disability while it’s seemingly easy to get approved. Been on workmans comp for quite a while, but her lifestyle does not match the injury.
Another extended family member lost their job and was offered another job but turned it down. Why? Her unemployment benefits were just approved and she plans on using the full 2 years.
We just hired an employee to fill a vacancy. He was bragging in the breakroom about how he just came off almost 2 years unemployment benefits and it wasn’t that bad. Also had food stamps, and his old lady did the same and also got WIC. He then said he could do it all over again after 6 months of gainful employment.
The government dole is actually a job competitor.
My grandfather, who lived through the “great depression”, once stated the following:
” You either worked or you died. When shoveling dirt, if you took a break, the next person in line eagerly took your place. Your new position was relegated to the back of the line. No one supplied you with employment, food, or housing. Life was hard, with no
guarantees.”
Now we are promised the ” Garden of Eden”, with no strings attached. Why would we want it any other way? Why, because we have given our liberties and our children’s futures for a little security. Failure is not an option and in most cases, not even a possibility.
Well, the water hole is running dry with no ome to do the shoveling to keep us going?