SUBMITTED OPINION
A number of child and family welfare programs will be cut under the recommended plan to reduce the state budget. Some of these recommendations include; slashing the Child Support Enforcement program, Reducing Childcare funding, Reducing Kinship Care for Grandparents who raise abused children, and Reducing Benefits for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
12.4% of Nevada families already live below the poverty line. Many of these families include a parent working full time for minimum wage. Nevada ALREADY has the highest rate of uninsured children with 18.4 %. The biggest losers to theses budget cuts will be the children and families. With so much poverty and earnings loss, many families would not have been able to keep a roof over their heads without the help of much needed programs. These additional dollars add up to an important source of income support for working families who are continuing to struggle to provide the basic needs of their families.
We can improve the quality of life for Nevada’s children with cost-effective investments and a commitment to achieve results. If the proposed program cuts are implemented, our state will continue to fail our families and increase costs for our state, and tax payers, in years to come.
It is time to take action: contact your representatives, encourage your family and friends to talk about kid’s issues, make your voice heard, and VOTE FOR KIDS!
Theresa Boucher
Every Child Matters in Nevada
