When John Boehner spoke to the press to say "read my lips -- we're going to cut spending," he forgot to mention the part about implementing those cuts on the backs of families who depend on food stamps to feed their children. He did however say "so be it" when asked about the prospect of more Americans losing their jobs. A prospect which will undoubtedly lead to more people depending on food stamps.
WASHINGTON – A hunger-relief group expressed deep concerns with a House GOP bill that would cap spending on food stamps, fearing it would target the least well-off and disproportionately harm children. [...]
The bill, H.R. 1135, was introduced by Republican Reps. Jim Jordan (OH), Tim Scott (SC), Scott Garrett (NJ), Dan Burton (IN), and Louie Gohmert (TX). Its aim, in part, is "to provide an overall spending limit on means-tested welfare programs."
Davis said 44 million people participate in food stamps each month – the figure increased 62 percent between 2007 and 2009.
"Any kinds of changes that start to weaken the food safety net are going to increase the burden on communities across America," she said, noting that half of all beneficiaries of food stamps are children.
Doesn't the fact that food stamps are already means-tested indicate that there is virtually no waste in the program and that all 44 million people on the program need it to survive?
As reported, 22 million of the 44 million people depending on food stamps are children. And according to the Associated Press, 90 percent of black children, and 30 percent of Hispanic children will be on food stamps at some point in their lifetime.
A report issued by Moody's in 2008 also found that food stamps are the most economically stimulative federal program during times of high unemployment. Don't we want to be stimulating the economy right now? Apparently not, if you're a Republican or if you plan to vote for Republicans.
If they get their way, there may be a day in the future when the Christian Children's Fund spokesperson - the one who resembles Santa Clause - begins touring American cities asking for your help to feed a child.