Letters: Utah's special needs

I am amused by the Utah Republican Party platform which states: "We recognize … there are special social needs which must be addressed through state human service programs."

In July 2009, the majority Republican Legislature denied more than 90,000 elderly, handicapped, unemployed and disabled Utahans funding for basic dental care. Budget shortfalls were blamed in the past as reason to continue non-funding of this critical need.

Dental disease costs increase when treatment is postponed. Nutritional and medical problems occur when teeth are removed as an "easy solution" to dental disease. Does the Republican Legislature have a duty to provide basic dental care for economically underprivileged registered voters? Perhaps the Legislature is complacent about meeting dental needs of Medicaid people "who are on the dole."

Government "by the people and for the people," especially "for poor people," no longer exists in Utah. Why do Republican legislators ignore the special needs, including dental needs, of Utahns who cannot be self-reliant and who lack the financial support of family?

Stephen Carter

Sandy