HSCO in the paper

[Stephanie Tama-Sweet]

HSCO is in the Oregonian twice in one week! Check out our letter to the editor here (it is also pasted below) and have a very wonderful holiday. Rest, peace and joy to all,

 

~ Stephanie

 

Stephanie Tama-Sweet

Co-Chair, Human Services Coalition of Oregon

503-828-8448

 

Services benefit all

We read, with a great deal of concern, Michelle Cole's recent article on the rise in fraudulent claims for public benefits ("Another sign of recession? More people caught cheating to get Oregon benefits," Dec. 17).

Any false claim takes vital and scarce dollars away from those truly in need. The article fails to give adequate attention to the deep need facing Oregonians today and the critical presence of public services for thousands in our state.

It is a fact that fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits are most common. But while the official unemployment rate is currently 11.1 percent, the unofficial unemployment rate is much higher when considering underemployment.

These are hard-working parents, college graduates, even seniors who may be working but are still unable to make ends meet. Medicaid claims have the second highest percentage increase year after year. Thankfully, we have taken steps to expand coverage and reform health care in this state. All Oregonians benefit from public structures like unemployment insurance and Medicaid. They are an investment in our community members and a boon to the local economy.

In today's tough economic climate, our focus ought to be on helping those in need and giving all people an opportunity to thrive.

JOHN MULLIN
Southwest Portland
STEPHANIE TAMA-SWEET
Northeast Portland

Mullin and Tama-Sweet are co-chairs of the Human Services Coalition of Oregon.