It’s time to disconnect the state’s Low-Income Telephone Assistance Program. For years, it has doled out $16.50 in monthly telephone subsidies to nearly 10,000 people who didn’t qualify, state auditors said last week.
Total dollars wasted? Nearly $1 million a year.
And the state, which resorted to raising taxes this year because of a $1 billion shortfall, also might have to repay the federal government another $1.4 million because a state subsidy is tied to a federal one. According to a Denver Post story by David Migoya, program oversight was so lax that no one — not the Public Utilities Commission that administers it or the Department of Human Services that determines who gets it — knew how bad the problems had gotten.
Each blamed a lack of funding for getting the job done. A million dollars lost may seem like chump change when the state faces a $1 billion shortfall, but it makes you wonder if money is being squandered elsewhere. Those who qualify can still get $8.25 a month from the federal program.
Remember when finding a summer job was adventure enough? Here’s another bad idea: Allowing your 16-year-old to circumnavigate the globe in a boat — alone. We were relieved to hear Friday that radio contact had been made with Abby Sunderland, whose sailboat was damaged by 30-foot waves that prompted her to set off a distress signal. Fortunately, Australian search teams spotted her drifting in the frigid, rough Indian Ocean late Thursday, and a rescue boat was set to arrive today. Her parents defended their decision by saying, hey, life is dangerous. Know what’s also dangerous? Sending your teen off on a voyage late in the year when seasoned sailors say the southern Indian Ocean is roiling with winter storms.
Maybe if it was Daniel Day-Lewis or Denzel Washington . . . Actor Charlie Sheen was expected to plead guilty last week in Aspen to a charge of misdemeanor assault against his wife and be sentenced to 30 days in jail, with permission to coach actors at a local theater during the day. Really? Charlie Sheen? Sure, we giggle at “Two and Half Men” too, but what’s gained from that proposal other than allowing another star to skirt his punishment? Ultimately, a snag in the deal postponed his hearing until next month.
Short Takes is compiled by Denver Post editorial writers and expresses the view of the newspaper’s editorial board.
