Our Viewpoint: Rural areas lose in cuts to state services

Last week, the Department of Public Health and Human Services announced that the Sanders County Office of Public Assistance will close Jan. 16. This is where people go for help with SNAP (food stamps), TANF cash assistance and Medicaid programs.

This office often is the first stop for people when they fall on hard times and need help. I worked in this office for seven years, as a case worker and as an IT specialist.

As a farm girl who learned the value of hard work at a young age, it was hard to watch some people take advantage of services. When you’re in line at the grocery store and see someone buying soda and frozen pizzas with their SNAP card, you feel a tinge of resentment.

But the other side is when you help someone, who literally has nothing, get back on their feet. When you have a client come in and hug you because they were finally able to go to the doctor.

Now, clients in our area will be directed to call the Public Assistance Helpline to maintain their case. When the help line is busy, a recording tells you to call back another time or visit a local office. Local office? After Jan. 16, that means Missoula or Kalispell. For families struggling, that only adds to the burden.

I’m disappointed in our lawmakers. When it comes to making cuts, helping people feed their families and getting access to healthcare seems like a vital service.

For the local staff losing their jobs next year, thank you for your service to Sanders County residents.

Annie Wooden, Publisher and Editor