Children and the Stimulus Package

Dear Tom,

The Economic Stimulus Package, S.1, being debated in the Senate today provides targeted funding for programs that are smart investments for the nation's future. It's a long overdue step in the direction of closing a huge 'investment gap' that has contributed to the U.S.'s poor showing in child well-being compared to other rich democracies.

Although some argue that social programs do not belong in a stimulus bill, prominent economists, including Mark Zandi at Moody's Economy.com, say social programs spur economic activity just like other government infrastructure investments. Providing income support to struggling families, such as increasing unemployment benefits and food stamps, is among the highest rated means of jump-starting the economy.

Another high return investment is fiscal relief to states so that they can maintain an already weakened safety net and not raise taxes. All across the country states are cutting health, education and social programs as a way of balancing their budgets. Without federal assistance to serve as a bridge while the economy recovers, hard-won gains on behalf of children will slide.

For a breakdown about how children in your state will benefit, click here, and select your state.

The fate of the stimulus package remains undecided. Your voice is needed in Washington. Please call your Senator TODAY and tell them to vote yes on the stimulus package: 866-544-7573 toll-free

Thank you for helping to make children a federal budget priority.

Click Here to Download: Homeland Insecurity: Why new investments in children and youth must be a priority for the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress



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