Chapter 249: ‘Cheap’ Gratitude
“Is Pelican Town’s budget really that tight?” Leon sighed when he heard the news.
“Yes. Besides maintaining community facilities and roads, Lewis has to pay for children’s education subsidies, pensions for the elderly, medical assistance, and other programs. He’s complained more than once about the money running out.”
Robin explained patiently.
“I can understand the education subsidies. But what’s the deal with pensions for the elderly? And what about medical assistance?”
Leon looked stunned, then asked curiously.
“Not every elder lives in a big villa like George and Evelyn. Over in the retirement home on the east side of town, most of the residents are families of victims from the mining accident in the northern foothills. Pelican Town owes them too much. So, to let them enjoy their twilight years in peace, the pension program for the elderly was created.”
Robin went on. “As for medical assistance, that’s another policy Lewis pushed for the sake of the townspeople’s health. Medical services and treatments are expensive, and the prices of medicine—jacked up by the pharmaceutical industry—are even worse. Many people avoid going to the doctor altogether. With Lewis’s subsidy, at least people can afford to get treated when they fall ill.”
“Harvey is in charge of the medical assistance program. Lewis put a lot of effort into recruiting him. Harvey himself is a good man—he keeps his prices as low as possible and doesn’t care much about profit.”
“I see.”