Another View: At-risk federal dollars for families are critical to Michigan’s economic recovery | Michigan's Children in the news

Another View: At-risk federal dollars for families are critical to Michigan’s economic recovery

Another View: At-risk federal dollars for families are critical to Michigan’s economic recovery

October 21, 2011| The Saginaw News

There’s a lot of talk lately about the need to reduce the nation’s growing debt load, and rightly so. No one wants to double and triple mortgage our children’s futures. But what kind of future are we giving our kids if we cut the most basic programs that provide food, shelter, medicine and education at a time when families need help the most?

As the congressional super committee develops recommendations for cutting spending, it’s imperative that we recognize how much our state and citizens rely on federal funds, especially in these dire economic times as more and more families slip deeper into poverty.

Today in Michigan, half of all births (62 percent in Saginaw County) are paid for by Medicaid; 40 percent of kids (46 percent in Saginaw County) are covered by Medicaid as their only source of health insurance; and almost half of all students (55 percent in Saginaw County) participate in the Free and Reduced Price Meals Program.

Federal funding also supports school and community-based health services for underserved children; Head Start programs prepare disadvantaged youngsters for school; educational and workforce development is improving graduation rates and building the smart and skilled workforce we need to attract jobs.

Michigan can’t afford to fund these, and other programs, alone as we work to restore our economic vitality.

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