To the editor:
I am encouraged by Mr. Bunek’s change of heart regarding the early childhood millage. Three years ago he did not recognize the needs of young families to be the concern of county government nor the legitimacy of the voters’ support for the millage. Now he is actively promoting the use of that money to support expanded health and development gaps in our community which are likely to worsen as current Republican federal and state policies are slashing funding for such needs.
Forty-nine percent of Leelanau households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Restrained, Employed), 7% living below the federal poverty line. Seventeen percent, 2,226 people, depend on Medicaid including 32% of our children. Our neighbors demonstrably need our support. The Big Beautiful Bill is projected to reduce Medicaid by 12%. Here in Leelanau that translates to 267 folks losing their health insurance. State supported dental care for children in need may be cut to make up for the federal shortfall. This means many of our neighbors will not get needed medical care, resulting in preventable illness and death. This means many of our children will have poorer long term health outcomes, including dental health.
