Don’t Worry. Be Happy.

Published: February 3, 2010 Times Argus Newspaper, Letter to the Editor

One way our legislators can evaluate proposed budget cuts is by using “Gross National Happiness” (GNH) measurements. The urgency of using GNH concepts is gaining strength locally and internationally, with the support of governments and Nobel Prize winning economists.

From this perspective, our legislators should weigh what policies truly enhance Vermonters’ well being.

Using this test, the governor’s proposed cuts to services for our senior citizens fail miserably.

GNH researchers in England say there are five keys to well-being: 1) staying connected with family, friends, and community; 2) staying active; 3) remaining engaged in the world around you; 4) being a lifelong learner; and 5) giving to others.

The devastating budget cuts to a wide array of senior services runs absolutely counter to these measures. Drastic cuts to the Senior Companion program, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, and the Foster Grandparents program would mean: lonelier, less connected, less active, and less engaged seniors. That is, these cuts would seriously undermine our seniors well-being. And what Vermonter wants that?

This is a tough, tough time for the Vermont budget — but using a GNH filter may make some of the decisions easier to reach.

Ginny Sassaman

Calais