Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

A group of anti-poverty activists protested at the state Capitol and denounced work and education requirements in order to receive Medicaid. Kentucky now requires able-bodied recipients of Medicaid between the ages of 18-59 to work part-time or go to school. But the Rev. William J. Barber says such requirements are immoral. He contended that "You can't find a Scripture anywhere that says deny people health care." That may be true. But neither are there Biblical passages that say government must provide able-bodied people with benefits. Scripture does give the admonition that "he who does not work shall not eat." Harsh words.  But work brings dignity and it does a great disservice to able-bodied people when they're told to depend on government. And pastors of all people should know this.