Letters to the Editor – Health care, SNAP benefits, private jets, national anthem

Health care subsidies vital
Re: “Republicans grapple with voter frustration over rising health care premiums,” online story.
As a nurse practitioner and the mother of a son with a chronic medical condition, I deeply understand the critical importance of affordable health coverage. My son depends on the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies, which keep his insurance premiums within reach. These subsidies allow him to access health care to manage his chronic condition and prevent future complications. Ultimately this support allows him a longer, healthier, and more productive life, enabling him to continue contributing to our community and society.
This story captured what millions of families fear: losing that support would force people to choose between their health and financial stability. More than 4 million Texans rely on these subsidies to stay insured. Without them, premiums will soar, hospitals will face more uncompensated care and families will delay treatment until it may be too late.
Access to insurance determines whether people stay healthy and avoid medical bankruptcy. Affordable health coverage should never be treated as a partisan issue — it’s a shared American priority.
Congress must act now to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies and give families the stability they deserve.
Camille Cobb, Paradise
SNAP continuation isn’t new
Regarding the current government shutdown, blame may be shared by both sides. But there are some things that are true regardless of one’s political leanings. In all previous government shutdowns, SNAP benefits continued without interruption. The government used contingency funds or other methods to ensure dispersal of benefits.
During the 2018-19 shutdown, for example, the USDA used contingency funds to do so. This is the first time in the program’s history for such a lapse.
The current government’s rhetoric about passing a “clean continuing resolution” makes it sound as if CRs have rarely had anomalies. In fact, the opposite is true.
Among other anomalies, the March 2025 continuing resolutions increased defense spending, reduced non-defense spending and increased WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children)
So, let’s not hear any more braying from Speaker Mike Johnson about the Democrats’ “totally unprecedented, totally undeliverable” demands.
James D. Farley, North Dallas
Support public trade schools
Re: “How about expanding vouchers program? We need skills training, but why put all our eggs in one system’s basket?” by Dallas Cothrum, Sunday Opinion.
I believe that Cothrum is correct in his assessment of the need for skilled tradesmen and our state’s current lack of emphasis on filling that gap. However, I believe that he made an ill-considered jump to private trade school vouchers as the solution.
Why did he not even consider public charter trade schools? Or industry specific scholarship supported trade schools? Or publicly supported apprenticeship programs?
Methinks he has been drinking the governor’s Kool-Aid.
Herb Krasner, Spicewood
Restrict smaller aircraft
In times of scarcity, we should apply resources to those in the most need or those who use the resources most effectively.
With this in mind, I suggest the Federal Aviation Administration and Air Traffic Control prioritize and therefore restrict flight quantity. How? Reduce, restrict or financially burden any aircraft with a capacity of less than 20 passengers. This would certainly not apply to military, medical and first responder entities.
As I understand it, the ATC applies the same resources to a private plane as it does a commercial airliner. I estimate eliminating small aircraft travel will free up 20% of ATC resources. In our area, think of Love Field, Addison Airport, Meacham Airport, etc.
The result of this action is we apply limited resources to better serve millions versus thousands. It is a simple business and math problem.
M.A. Conroy, Grapevine
‘As you did to the least’
It’s not my nature to be judgmental, but lately I can’t get Matthew 25 out of my head — the great judgment scene where the king separates his true followers from those who merely claim to be his followers.
What I keep hearing is: I was hungry, and you cut off my food stamps. I was a stranger, and you rounded me up in vans and deported me. I was sick, and you cut off my health insurance. I was in prison, and you threw away the key.
Those in authority in this country, who beat on their chests and claim Christianity, should note the king’s final pronouncement: “Just as you did to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did to me.”
Bob Buckel, Azle
Sing our anthem
I watched the Dallas Cowboys game Monday and heard a beautiful “Star-Spangled Banner” played on the trumpet. I was saddened when the camera caught players, fans and even a former president not singing our anthem.
In earlier times, everyone sang. Now, it seems that everyone just looks at each other with no sound from within showing love and respect to our country. Can we sing again?
Bob Allen, Hurst
What about Sammy?
Re: “Kyler or Matthew? No one disputes the greatness of Murray or Stafford, but who is best ever from area?” by Greg Riddle, Sunday SportsDay column.
I was taken aback by your list of great Texas-produced quarterbacks with only a passing reference to Bobby Layne and none for Sammy Baugh.
Warren M. Lynn, Fort Worth
Adopt daylight saving time
Oh my, a 5:30 p.m. sunset is absolutely terrible! With standard time now starting, millions of people are working hard until 5 p.m., driving home and having no time to enjoy the outdoors with their family before darkness comes at 5:30.
This is very, very sad! However there is a way we could all enjoy year-round 6:30 p.m. sunsets — adopting daylight saving time.
The U.S. Senate could vote to make daylight saving time year round. Please remember the Senate works for and is elected by American voters.
We Americans should write or call our senators and suggest how we’d love to enjoy evenings with our families much more during the five long months from November to March.