Comments on: Walk in Larissa’s Shoes

By: Jamie Hunt

Jamie Hunt — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:40:27 +0000

“The alcohol tax in Maryland is outdated– unchanged since 1955. It’s hard to justify that kind of favoritism in the face of inadequate state funding for basic needs.”

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Apologies to Gertrude Stein, but “tax is a tax is a tax” … fermented and distilled beverages don’t pay it; citizens do (Maryland may be among the wealthiest; it’s also among the most highly taxed). Essentially, this levy demansds that people who drink to support the disabled (and alcoholics). Why shouldn’t non-(seldom) drinkers like me pay as well? I don’t object to providing the support people need, but it is tiring to see the constant demonization of the “other” (in this case, the “liquor lobby”) as a tool to achieve these ends. Even our President can’t seem to avoid this tactic. It’s a poor substitute for solid argument and assumes a priori that the state is the answer to all our problems.

By: Editor

Editor — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:19:26 +0000

The Creeds, like the other 18,000 waiting for DDA services, already qualify for these services; only inadequate funding keeps them from receiving them. Additional funding from an alcohol tax would significantly shorten the length of the wait for all, by fully funding those families in crisis at the top of the list first.
The alcohol tax in Maryland is outdated– unchanged since 1955. It’s hard to justify that kind of favoritism in the face of inadequate state funding for basic needs. Maryland is the wealthiest state in the nation, yet it ranks 44th in spending for services for the disabled. Creative solutions are needed to help bring Maryland up to a reasonable level of commitment to its disabled citizens.
JB

By: Jamie Hunt

Jamie Hunt — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:32:12 +0000

This is a mighty cross the Creeds bear. God bless them.

I don’t know anyone in the “liquor lobby” (I know one restauranteur), but surely they are human as well. They have families, employees, people they are responsible for as well, no? Do we know their burdens are any less than the Creeds? Do they not have the right to stand up for their interests? After watching tobacco (a legal product) subject to ever-increasing taxes over the years, it makes perfect sense that they would fight the same thing happening to their product. Sure, the $80 million in taxes “only adds up a to a nickel a drink” say the tax supporters, but how do we know legislators won’t keep going back to the trough?

No doubt they will, of course. $80 million, if divided up equally among the 18,000 disabled, amounts to about $4,400 per annum per person. But it won’t be divided that way, because a certain amount of the $80 million will be going to alcohol rehab. Another chunk will be siphoned to pay for the state bureaucrats to administer the $80 million. So, maybe this means another $1,000-$2,000 per disabled person. Maybe. But maybe the Creed won’t even be eligible (by reason of income or some other disqualifier) for that.

And maybe there won’t be $80 million available. Increasing prices tends to depress demand (or increase demand on alternate sources) so we may find that fewer people are patronizing restaurants and bars, or buying less when they do.

Which, unfortunately, will have the unintended side effect of costing Baltimore Brew sponsors like the Wine Market, in the upper right side of this page.

Personally, I hope the Creeds get the help they need. The alcohol tax wouldn’t affect me since I’ve pretty much stopped drinking and seldom go to restaurants. But it would be good to see a stronger argument than the one Ms. Bishop presented. There is much misery in the world; all the taxation in the world will not ameloriate it.

By: Rev. Yvetta S. Jackson

Rev. Yvetta S. Jackson — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:46:06 +0000

Jennifer Bishop, a Friend, a Fellow Leader in Disability Policy for the State of Maryland, an Advocate, A Mother. She is a writer that speaks with depth, taking pictures that capture the cycle of life’s trials and the triumphs of dedication to change and solutions. Thank you Jennifer for using your talent, your tears, your strength to slam home the undeniable need for our Legislators to awake from a quiet sleep and stand for right now changes that will give children and loving parents hope.
I know that alcohol tax proposes a percentage of allocated funds to the promise of long awaited services for people on the Developmentally Disabled Administration’s Waiting List. I know we have Lobbyists here in Maryland that are working hard to help facilitate changes. Each of us can do our part to make the dream of solutions a reality.
Thanks Jennifer for doing your part and telling Larrisa’s Story and that of the many waiting Maryland parents who need relief today.
Well done.
Keep Shining.
Keep Writing.
Make them see the truths. Too often,many hide in shadows of life that we live through daily.
Thank You for your dedication to change! Thank you Jennifer for shedding more light; so all become aware, and do something to make a difference.

By: Michelle Hart

Michelle Hart — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:21:24 +0000

Thank you Jennifer once again for posting such a compelling story and photo.
I can’t help but wonder when we will see a “mad as hell and not going to take it anymore” story!
I appreciate that the alcohol tax proposes a percentage of dedicated funds to the provision of services for people on the DDA Wating List- I also understand that the liquor lobbyists here in Maryland are extremely powerful.
It seems that they have made the effort look like a ‘dirty trick” to many of the legislators their campaign donations support.
I hope we can continue to consider and push for solutions that will ensure that our children are cared for, and our families are supported!
Best to you and yours.
Thanks again for all that you do!

By: Diane Fadely

Diane Fadely — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:19:44 +0000

There’s no question in my mind about the need to raise additional funds in order to provide better services for people with disabilities. A truly democratic society must ensure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for all including those with disabilities. DDA has always been severely underfunded. This has resulted in a long waiting list for services for people in desperate situations. It’s time to change this by passing the new alcohol tax. Otherwise, how can we call ourselves a democracy?