Jeff Hurd Reaches Astonishing New Level of Jackassery

Of course, it's one thing if Pols participants know about this stuff, but quite another if CD3 residents are aware. So, my curiosity led me to quickly look through a few news sites in Grand Junction, Vail, Aspen, and Pueblo, and I do think this issue is getting coverage even if I'd like a bit more push-back and follow-through on Hurd's canned statements. 

From GJ Daily Sentinel May 8:

According to Hurd, work requirements are another option he would support, as it would ensure enrollees are truly “those who need the help and support that Medicaid provides” while encouraging beneficiaries “to lift themselves out of poverty.”

“If an individual is able to work, then I think they ought to be working,” Hurd said. “As a general matter, I think good public policy incentivizes individuals to lift themselves out of poverty, and work is one of the best ways to do that.”

From Pueblo Chieftain, April 23: 

However, Hurd also said that "out of control" spending needs to be rolled back in a broad sense and that any changes to Medicaid must ensure funds are being spent most effectively. He said Congress should "definitely look at" work requirements for recipients.

So, my push-back question #1 is – "work requirements might sound good to some folks, but aren't unemployed people often the ones who need help with health care the most?" My question #2 – "sure, it's maybe logical to go after waste, fraud, and abuse, but the bill that you voted for would've cut miles beyond any possible waste, fraud and abuse out there – so aren't you talking about the tip of the iceberg but obscuring the rest of the iceberg?"

Beyond news coverage, I did also see a number of headlines in the local rags for guest opinions and letters to the editor talking about Medicaid cuts and probable devastating impacts to local humans and hospitals, so there seems to be at least decent awareness of this issue in CD3 news outlets. Good for them, but get meaner!!!