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Letter: Cuts risk too much

Posted on July 23, 2009 by Staff

Like most states these days, North Carolina is in deep financial trouble and it’s time to make some tough choices. That said, cutting programs that are proven to benefit children and the state’s economy, like Smart Start and N.C. Health Choice, just doesn’t make economic sense.

Gov. Perdue and other state leaders have begun calling for a balanced approach that includes new revenue and doesn’t abandon our families. This is the approach we should take.

Cutting programs like Smart Start and N.C. Health Choice for Children will save money this year, but the long-term costs will more than outweigh the short-term savings. Without access to health care for their children, parents turn to emergency rooms when the flu turns deadly, which ultimately costs the state money. Without early-education programs to help children get off to a strong academic start, we run the risk of higher dropout rates, higher rates of drug use and increased juvenile crime.

The result of drastic cuts in the programs that best serve our state and our children will be devastating and they’ll cost us more in the long run. Let’s face it, a balanced approach that raises revenue with judicious cuts is the best way to protect working families and avoid prolonging the recession.

Becky Laskody
Carrboro

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