Our neighbors hit hardest by the current economic crisis—people who are unemployed or underemployed, families with low incomes, people with disabilities, and people who are elderly, children, and/or of color— should not bear an undue burden from budget reductions. Legislation must not strip away services that are essential for our neighbors’ survival and dignity! Failure to care for people in need has moral and economic consequences, both long- and short-term. We sometimes hear that, like a family, the government must "tighten its belt" and reduce spending. In response, we ask, "What family would not seek another source of income rather than deny their children or loved ones food, shelter or medical care?" 

*A Circle of Protection: A Statement on Why We Need to Protect Programs for People Living in Poverty