September 1, 2010. A day we will remember as one where about 600 people in King County and over 1,700 people statewide were terminated from Disability Lifeline, a state program providing medical benefits and cash assistance (of about $339/month) to people temporarily unable to work due to physical or mental disability. Of these people, 1,244 statewide are 40 years or older, 30% are people of color, more than half have a mental health diagnosis, and many have next to no education or resources.  They live…

Note: This piece was originally published in the Seattle P-I five years ago. Unfortunately, the GAU program is on the chopping block again. The arguments put forth by United Way CEO Jon Fine and United Way board member Dan Brettler are still true today and powerful reasons to preserve GAU. Take action to save GAU by contacting your senator. More info is at the bottom of the post.

Darren Branning lived under a bridge in Renton and did his best to stay as far…