13.8 Million Children Fall Through the ‘Safety Net’
The holes in President Reagan’s “safety net” are so large 13.8 million children have fallen through. A recent congressional study (Times, May 23) shows that the number of children living in poverty has increased by 52% in the last decade (35% of that increase came between 1979 and 1983).
Not satisfied with these gruesome figures, Reagan is asking Congress to either cut or eliminate funding for most programs assisting poor children and families. If he succeeds, it will be the fifth consecutive year for such cuts.
Reagan’s proposed cuts total $5.2 billion, including $1.1-billion reductions in health programs. In addition, he is working for deep cuts in food and nutrition programs serving families and children despite increasing evidence of hunger in America. After taking away food and health care, Reagan would cut education programs by $2.4 billion.
The situation of the poor in America today constitutes a national disgrace. We must all work to turn this trend around by rejecting these proposed cuts in the 1986 budget.
Poor children should not be denied food, health care and a sound education while the President continues to feed the Pentagon billions of dollars in increased budget. If you agree, let your voice be heard.
MARY BRENT WEHRLI
Los Angeles
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