Too many kids grow up in poverty through no fault of their own. That limits their life chances and costs us all in the long run.
Very young children who lack proper nutrition and who are raised in stressed households can end up with damaged brains that leave them struggling to learn throughout their lives. Older kids who are hungry find it nearly impossible to focus on their studies. And lacking health care, they may not be able to hear their teachers, read their books or see what’s written on chalkboards, or even feel well enough to come to class.
By contrast, kids who get proper nutrition, schooling and medical care are much more likely to grow up to be self-sufficient, instead of taxing the criminal justice system with big costs to police, courts and prisons.
While I have concern over some “pay–fors” in Sen. Romney’s Family Security Act that remove some important child supports — and ask him to make adjustments — I applaud his work to create a program that would lift a third of children out of poverty.
Georgia Platts, South Jordan