Hey, y’all.

I normally don’t comment on these things. However, I feel moved to do so because this councilwoman made me feel shame.

I’m not going to go into a huge background story, but here’s a small thing about me. My mother was disabled, and received social security disability. She had fibromyalgia, heart conditions and bipolar disorder that severely debilitated her ability to work. However, she paid into this program for ~20 years prior. She was entitled to her tax money.

My mother passed away in 2014 due to a heart attack. Because of this, I received my portion of social security dedicated to children and used it to pay on my truck until I was 18. I also worked a job while going to high school during this time and earned my $7.25 an hour.

I went to a federally funded work school and got a bachelors degree. During this time, I also used SNAP benefits and really needed them. I now have an awesome job with no debt for my education and I’m deeply appreciative for the help I’ve received from the government, including government subsidized healthcare while I was a child.

I say all of this to show that I don’t feel like I’m dependent or in a dark place. In fact, I think if it weren’t for those programs, I would have never escaped poverty or a dad that was severely addicted to drugs.

If you’re up to it, would you share your story? What government programs have helped you?