Lawmakers must center children in their negotiations
As federal programs that serve children head toward a shutdown-induced crisis this weekend, First Focus on Children President Bruce Lesley issued the following statement:
“The government shutdown, now in its fourth week, has prompted a lot of concern about federal workers, air traffic controllers, and others who should rightfully have our support. But seldom mentioned are the people who will also suffer significant impact: children.
Starting Saturday, food stamp benefits will run dry in at least 25 states, crippling a program that serves 16 million children. More than 130 Head Start programs will also miss their federal funding, leaving more than 65,000 children without critical education, health, and nutrition services. And without another $300 million emergency infusion, the WIC program, which delivers infant formula and other necessities to 7 million babies and their mothers, will falter.
First Focus on Children urges lawmakers to center children in their negotiations to end the shutdown as soon as possible and to ensure that once it’s over, they correct the grave injustices they are inflicting on the nation’s kids.”