Disability Perspective: MUNI T.E.P. -- Lack of Thought on Health ImpactsBob Plantholdbyline‚ Dec. 16‚ 2008Another Holiday Season analysis about the lumps of coal (and pessimism) that city agencies bestow on people with disabilities at year's end. We all are aware of lots of cuts in all sorts of social service programs and health programs. Meaning the poor, seniors, people with disabilities, single parents, and many newcomers to this country are targeted to suffer the most. That's too broad, though, to get a feel for how poorly done is the thinking and work done by city staff and policy-makers. Let's focus on the MUNI Transit Effectiveness Program [TEP]. So far, most of the letters to the editor and the comments at public meetings follow a grade-school level civics and economics approach: (1) Do what the majority wants; and (2) MUNI can't afford to provide current services. So, the MTA Board of Directors has gone along with accepting the revised recommendations provided by staff. |