Well, our intrepid Congress has gone and done it...changed the Medicaid eligibility rules so that it will be virtually impossible for the typical middle class family to protect any of their assets from being flushed down the drain if they're among the 40% of people that end up requiring nursing home care in their old age. The new rules are so harsh that unless one is truly wealthy, trying to protect assets and leave a little something for your kids is now so risky that most people won't be even try. If you want to learn the details of what the changes in the law are you can read about them on my website, at: www.stormkinglaw.com.

What makes all this doubly frustrating is that the vote, in the House of Representatives, on the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (which contained these changes) was 216-214!!! That's right, one vote switching from being in favor to opposing and the bill would have failed.

So, guess who lined up to shoot down the hopes of middle class people that they might pass on something to their kids?? You've got it...Rep. Sue Kelly of the 19th Congressional District (northern Westchester, Putnam, Orange and Southern Dutchess counties). If "photo op Sue" had voted against it the bill would have failed. This is the same lady who tramps around the Hudson Valley going to every 'senior citizen' event she can get her picture taken at. This is also the same lady who votes against every gun control measure, every civil rights measure, every labor protection law she sees. But, "photo op Sue" manages to vote for every bill that will eliminate the estate tax on truly wealthy people.

So, if you're middle class and you live the Hudson Valley, realize that your congresswoman has done everything she can to make sure that you won't be able to leave anything to your kids...but, that people that are truly wealthy can leave virtually everything to their kids.

Bottom line: Sue Kelly must go. A rich woman from Westchester isn't what most of the people in the lower Hudson Valley need. Let her represent her friends in Katonah...on the school board, but let's get this woman out of Congress!!