Oct 12, 2008 8:30 am US/Eastern
9-Year-Old Fears Outcome Of Md. Budget Cuts
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
Tough economic times are having a real impact in Maryland.
Weijia Jiang reports some important state programs could end up being cut.
Haley Koshko is a pretty typical 9-year-old who grew up with a pretty typical childhood. But over the years, Haley, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes six years ago, has learned plenty of things most people will never have to.
She knows how to read her insulin levels by pricking herself 10 times a day to draw blood.
She also knows what number is a good number on the catheter she wears.
"It gives me my medicine, so I don't get sick. It helps me live," said Haley.
The Koshko family has spent countless hours lobbying for stem cell research to find a cure for diabetes, but proposed budget cuts could trim that money by $4 million.
"It's devastating. Myself and our family worked so hard to get this passed. When it got passed, it was giving us so much hope for a cure, but now it feels like that hope is getting taken back," said Andrea Koshko, mother.
The state may also save $48 million by giving state workers six days unpaid leave, another $38 million by reducing the education funding plan, $4.5 million in a hiring freeze for state troopers and $26 million less cash for public health.
Those and plenty of other cuts are all to fill a $432 million deficit in the state's budget.
"It's going to be a very tough balance. It's not an easy time to make these decisions and they're decisions being made by every family as every family in our state has to tighten its belt," said O'Malley.
Andrea is praying her family won't lose too much.
"I understand that some things have to get cut, but this is medical research for adults and children living with a life-threatening disease. Their life is very precious, and they don't have time to wait," said Andrea.
Haley is tired of being sick, disheartened by the possible cuts and scared of what those cuts mean in relation to finding a cure.
"Some kids with diabetes died," said Haley.
Some cuts could take effect as early as next week.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WJZ.COM's Most Popular Slideshows
