The Columbian printed an article in January from The Washington Post: “2018 was a horrible year for children in U.S.” (Jan. 2, The Washington Post). Following articles have highlighted kids’ issues. They are not a priority. Families and kids are being abused at the border every day, whose only crime is trying to keep their kids safe. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, supports these immigration policies. In the U.S., 41 percent of the children grow up in poverty. Yet the SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid will have drastic cuts in 2020 while the defense budget will increase.
Latest reports show Washington child abuse phone lines are overwhelmed and understaffed. Thank you state Rep. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, for the health care bill that will protect families if the Affordable Care Act ends. While Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, supported it, Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center, opposed.
Thank you Rep. Harris for sponsoring the “After the Bell Breakfast Bill.” In our state, 1 in 6 kids struggle with hunger. Within a week of Earth Day, Herrera Beutler voted to end protection for our waters. State Sens. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, and Rivers voted against the vaccination bill. Call these legislators to express your concern. A child’s only voice is yours. Speak loudly.
