Deficit-cutting plans must not harm the poor

I am concerned that Congress is making decisions that would greatly reduce funding for anti-poverty programs. With unemployment at more than 9 percent and most unemployed averaging 10 months idle, the SNAP (food stamp) program and Earned Income Tax Credit (which benefits the working poor) are more important than ever. I now have friends who are applying for food stamps for the first time.

Even the oft-criticized Head Start is effective and should not be defunded, though there are some good proposals for reform.

We need a balanced approach to deficit reduction. I urge Sen. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, and Rep. Dave Loebsack to only support a deficit-reduction plan that protects low-income Americans from falling deeper into poverty.

Mike Buckman

Cedar Rapids