Approaching 'absolute zero'

Considering the chaos on Wall Street and the tanking of retirement funds, you would think some folks might change their minds. Not yet.

Two major articles of faith of the Republican economic dogma, and not coincidentally, two of the principal causes of the current meltdown, are (1) the stripping away of responsible regulation, and (2) aggressive tax cuts and tax policies that very strongly favor the wealthy and giant corporations. The theory is that these policies will lead to a strong economy and some benefit will trickle down to working families. Not so.

It didn't work in the Reagan administration, which created huge deficits and widened the income disparity gap, and predictably, it has had the same result in the Bush administration.

Given the pain and devastation that this approach has produced, a question to Republican true believers is this: Just how awful does it have to get? Does your 401(k) have to be reduced to absolute zero before you finally get the message and consider supporting other policies and other leaders?

– Bill Richmond, Carmichael

Are accused cops being coddled?

Re "Cop arrested in theft of used cooking oil," Oct. 9: It seems of late that not a month goes by where you don't read about a law enforcement officer being arrested. Even worse, the arrested individual is placed on paid administrative leave.

In other words, the taxpayer is left to continue paying the salary and benefits of someone hired to uphold the law while they sit at home doing nothing waiting for a hearing or trial. Doesn't seem right.

– Steve Mawhinney, Roseville

Elaborating on Medi-Cal bill

The Bee's editorial ("Medi-Cal oddity: Crime does pay," Oct. 4) failed to recognize that Senate Bill 1132 was vetoed because it could not be implemented. Simplifying Medi-Cal eligibility determinations for former foster youths is a good idea, and the governor expressed his willingness to support a workable bill.

As written, the bill prohibited the Department of Health Care Services from seeking information, such as residency, to ensure that foster youths are eligible for Medi-Cal. Without this critical component, the bill sets up a situation where the state would violate federal eligibility requirements by potentially funding benefits for youths who are ineligible, such as those who have moved out of state.

The administration attempted to work with proponents of SB 1132 to fix this problem – to no avail. Had the author amended the bill to allow for annual eligibility determinations, as required by federal law, the bill would have been signed by the governor. The governor pledged his signature next year if this flaw is addressed, and we stand ready to assist members of the Legislature in this effort.

We all share the goal of making health care services more accessible for the state's former foster care youths.

– Sandra Shewry, Director, California Department of Health Care Services

Counseling can be affordable

Re "Bad news taking a toll on our psyches," Oct. 8: The subtitle of this article was, "See a therapist? For many now, it's too costly." As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I am concerned that some who are anxious and/or depressed, as described in the article, will not seek therapy or counseling because they believe that it is too expensive.

I would like people to be aware that there is a lot of psychotherapy available at a much lower cost than that mentioned in the article: "An hour session with a psychologist can cost upward of $150." It is true that clinical psychologists frequently charge that much, and psychiatrists may charge twice that. But even with those fees, health insurance can give some help. And LMFTs and licensed clinical social workers usually charge much less, and, if the client has health insurance, the co-payment is about $20 to $30. Also, most employers offer, through their employee-assistance programs, six to eight sessions with no co-payment.

MFTs and CSWs are thoroughly trained and fully licensed by the state of California. Actually, most of us believe we are drastically underpaid for the work we do (by insurance companies), but that's another subject, which I'll address in a future letter.