Are you having trouble keeping up with the rising costs of health insurance?  If so, you're not alone.  Although, you might be if you visit the State House.  Take a close look at this list of names:


State Senators
Daniel Connors, D-Cumberland
Dominick Ruggerio, D-Providence
Leo Blais, R-Coventry
Frank Ciccone, D-Providence
Elizabeth Crowley, D-Central Falls
James Doyle, D-Pawtucket
Hanna Gallo, D-Cranston
Charles Levesque, D-Portsmouth
John McBurney III, D-Pawtucket
Juan Pichardo, D-Providence
Michael Pinga, D-West Warwick

State Representatives
Steven Costantino, D-Providence
Brian Kennedy, D-Hopkinton
Grace Diaz, D-Providence
Peter Palumbo, D-Cranston
Peter Petrarca, D-Lincoln
William San Bento, D-Pawtucket
David Segal, D-Providence
Agostinho Silva, D-Central Falls
Thomas Slater, D-Providence
Timothy Williamson, D-West Warwick


     What do all of these people have in common?  They all receive free health insurance from the state, courtesy of the taxpayers.  These healthcare packages cost up to $17,296 for each plan.  State workers are required to pay between 13.5$ and 25% toward their healthcare, but our senators and representatives aren't required to pay anything.  There are several who do voluntarily pay a portion, but as you can see, many members of the General Assembly feel they are entitled to free healthcare.

     Representatives Brian Newberry and Amy Rice each submitted legislation which would have required legislators to pay a portion of their healthcare, but neither piece of legislation is expected to go anywhere.  Legislators like to talk about citizens making sacrifices and "feeling the pain," yet they aren't prepared to pay a small percentage toward a healthcare plan.  I actually find the legislation submitted by representatives Newberry and Rice to be very generous.  Since legislators only work part-time and have other jobs, I would actually support eliminating their healthcare benefits from the state.  They would never vote on it, of course, but it is the right thing to do.

     If your representative or senator is among those who make no contribution to their health insurance, I would encourage you to file this away in your memory.  When they come by next November to ask for your vote, ask them why they feel they are better than other state employees.  Most importantly, let them know you will be casting your vote for their opponent.