Hands off AFDC

We don’t have much time. We need to act now. In Augusta, this week, our elected representatives will decide on legislation that affects all Maine citizens. I’m talking about the proposed cuts in Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

If the cuts are approved, 11,000 of Maine’s poorest families will lose much of their meager income. Since 1991, AFDC has been cut five times despite the rising cost in the standard of living. I say the priorities are all wrong while Gov. King proposes giving corporations tax breaks to bring “jobs, jobs, jobs” into the state. He doesn’t guarantee full-time employment and health insurance. His welfare reform package can provide a better life for their children by working outside the home.

AFDC recipients will be forced into a labor force where part-time, low-paying labor (without the benefit of health insurance) provides less money to meet children’s needs. For example, Gov. King proposes the elimination of “the gap” for child support and unearned income. Apparently, the challenges and rewards of child-rearing are not valued as “earned.” At this junture, the Legislature considers Gov. King’s ill-conceived policy an easy budget compromise. What about the children?

If the cuts are approved, how many children will go homeless, how many will die? Surely, all will see their dreams die. Today, what example will we get for our children? What hopeless, uncaring legacy will we leave them? What kind of a society will be create? Yes, we are all affected by the decisions in Augusta. Let’s commit a personally responsible act to tell our legislators to oppose heartless legislation. Otherwise, the rubble of Oklahoma City will seem mild in comparison to Maine’s tragedy where thousands of children will suffer.

Please call this week:

Maine House of Representatives, 1-800-423-2900.

Maine Senate, 1-800-423-6900. Elizabeth A. Stevens Bangor