Rendell's fiasco

A particular letter last Sunday grabbed my attention. It threw all the blame (how ironic) for the failure of adultBasic right on the doorstep of Gov. Tom Corbett ("Tom Corbett Has Failed Those Who Need This Health Insurance," March 6).

First, according to Auditor General Jack Wagner, funds for this program were being siphoned off as early as 2005. While the funds for this program were being diverted to other uses, the Health Endowment Account was also raided, for "unspecified purposes."

The Health Endowment Account, to be set aside for future needs or health emergencies, will end this fiscal year with a zero balance, according to Mr. Wagner. That compares to a balance in FY 2007-08 of $658 million.

Former Gov. Ed Rendell did get the insurance companies to voluntarily pony-up for this program, but only so he could take the money and use it for something else. He was in office when that agreement ended with 2010. He was in office when this year's budget was decided and was completely aware that funding for adultBasic would be running out.

Let's not play the blame game, but give credit where credit is due. We can credit Mr. Rendell for this fiasco.

KEVIN C. BAIRD
Center