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Judy Kontur-Sperling
Age: 55
From: Augusta, Butler County
Impact of Budget Cuts: Lowered Protected Income Level
Senator: David Corbin (16th)
Representative: Everett Johnson (77th)
Judy's client obligation will change from $154 per month to
$236 per month starting February 1st because of
SRS budget cuts. That is $82 less per month for
paying rent, utilities, medications, and other necessities
like food. Judy wasn't making it before and had to
rely on her children to help her pay the bills. With
the 26 pills plus pain medication, diabetic supplies, and
nebulizer that Judy must have just to stay alive, she has
to then make a choice whether to eat, pay rent, or pay
other bills - "…My children are giving up parts
of their dreams so they can help me live my meager
existence."
Judy worked hard all her
life up until she acquired her disability 6 years ago,
and feels strongly she has earned the right to get
help from the government. "…Do they
[legislators] not think I would love to go back to
work if I was able?" asks Judy. All
she wants is to be able to live a simple, comfortable
life. Her husband, who died two years ago, was a
United States Marine, and also worked hard all his
life. "He died fighting for his life
just as he fought for our great nation. I am
still fighting for my life," says
Judy.
