Should everyone who was on the 35W bridge get aid?

[question everything]

I usually do not have patience for stories with "human interest," however the three parts story in the strib, about the Coulters, all four of them who survived the crash, held me riveted.

I picked up a copy of USA Today and it had a story about the difficulties that Mr. Coulter is having getting help.


Some aid for Minn. bridge victims stalled

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-12-30-Bridgefund_N.htm

People eligible to apply for the money complain that intrusive financial questions, onerous bookkeeping that requires applicants to keep track of all expenses and other red tape have created barriers to relief.

"If I have to prove that I'm poor, then I'm not going to go through that process," says Brad Coulter, 44, who was injured while driving with his wife and two daughters when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed beneath them. "The money wasn't given in that spirit; it was to help people out."

Coulter wants to be reimbursed for wheelchair ramps for his wife, Paula, 43, who suffered a brain injury in the fall. He refused to submit a request when he saw the financial disclosures he would be required to make. The assistance form from the Minnesota Helps — Bridge Disaster Fund requires applicants to provide details of their monthly income and expenses, including rent or mortgage and debt payments.

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I really feel for them. I cannot even try to imagine what they went through.

[dodger501]

1. I say yes

It was federal property, right?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. Yes, it was government property that had not been properly maintained, and

as far as I can remember, there were no millionaires on the bridge when it collapsed. Anyone who required hospitalization is going to have huge medical and rehab bills, possibly not covered by insurance.

[geardaddy]

3. Yes. n/t

[dflprincess]

4. I think the fund that's being talked about here is one set up by private charities

and donations, not tax dollars. There may be victims of the collapse whose financial circumstances are more dire than others and it might make sense to use this money for those who need the most, at least at first though I don't think even the private group should make it so difficult to apply for funds that people give up in frustration.

When it comes to state or federal money, everyone should get paid.