One of the big stories in the news tonight is that the president signed a bill "to save the jobs of approximately 160,000 teachers across the country, as well as create and save positions for police officers, firefighters and nurses," On the surface, this looks like a win-win situation. By saving critical jobs, the employed will have more money to spend to help get the economy moving. However, it turns out that this bill comes at a steep price: food stamp benefits will be pared down.
As is too often the case in our nation's capitol, the group being forced to accept the brunt of these trade-offs is the poor. Yes, people who have trouble putting enough food on the table today will have even more trouble in the future as their benefits will be reduced. In essence, those who can't find living wage jobs during this recessionary period are being forced to sacrifice even more to insure that another 160,000 people don't lose their jobs!
Am I the only one who thinks this "bargain" is a bit screwy?
As is too often the case in our nation's capitol, the group being forced to accept the brunt of these trade-offs is the poor. Yes, people who have trouble putting enough food on the table today will have even more trouble in the future as their benefits will be reduced. In essence, those who can't find living wage jobs during this recessionary period are being forced to sacrifice even more to insure that another 160,000 people don't lose their jobs!
Am I the only one who thinks this "bargain" is a bit screwy?
as is often the case in Washington, those with the least power are abused the most.
ReplyDeleteVery sad state of affairs.