The word "sequester" or "sequestration" is now, it seems, on everyone's lips, as we prepare for the automatic cuts that the federal government is likely to put in place unless Congress acts specifically to stop them.
Today, there was a piece in the New York Times about how poor people are largely protected from the effects of the cuts. It is true that the following programs will remain untouched by the sequester:
- Social Security
- Short Term Unemployment Benefits
- Veterans' Benefits
- Medicaid
- Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP - Food Stamps)
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
But I am quite worried about the automatic cuts that will directly affect a highly effective nutrition program for low-income women and children called WIC (Women, Infants, Children). Formally known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, this program provides nutritious food and nutrition counseling to women and their children. The program also helps to make possible referrals for low income children and their mothers who are in some way at nutritional risk. The cuts will eliminate at least 600,000 participants from this program. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says that this program is "widely regarded as one of the most effective of all social programs."
It simply makes no sense to cut such an effective program so severely. Let's all press our legislators to make a special effort to protect this superb social program, which should be treated, given its reputation, as one of our government's budget priorities.
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Unemployment Insurance (short-term)
Veteran's Benefits
Medicaid
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP Food Stamps)
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
- See more at: http://www.massresources.org/sequestration.html#sthash.H5qGvE8Q.dpuf
Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Unemployment Insurance (short-term)
Veteran's Benefits
Medicaid
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP Food Stamps)
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
- See more at: http://www.massresources.org/sequestration.html#sthash.H5qGvE8Q.dpuf
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