In his recent testimony to JFAC, Health & Welfare director Dick Armstrong said that the disabled will have to turn to their families, friends and churches as state funding for many services declines or outright disappears. Armstrong noted that in the 1950s and 1960s, many volunteers performed the services that the state now offers through its Medicaid programs. In response to Armstrong's testimony, Eye On Boise reported that Rep. George Eskridge (R-Dover) commented, "I think there's some merit there. We all have an obligation to help our fellow citizens - it's not all a state responsibility. I'm intrigued by his comment and hope there'll be some ways we're able to pursue that"/Political Game. More here.

DFO: Political Game brings up an intriguing question. At our little church, we are becoming increasingly involved in helping individuals make ends meet with power bills, phones, rent payments. The amount of money we provide in benevolence has been increasing for last half year.

Question: What role can families, friends, and churches play in helping individuals in need?