Poetry in Motion: The Road Not Taken, not Frost — the GOP

GOP Helping Seniors in Need and Kids on Food Stamps

These things cannot be disputed no matter how hard the GOP impressive PR machine works overtime.

I seriously wonder: Why are GOPers serving in Congress and please, don't say what they say: "To serve the American people." That quite frankly is a crock.

Example: Shortly before Congress adjourned for its 5-week August recess, House Republicans disclosed that they plan to move a bill in early September that doubles — to $40 billion over ten years — their proposed cuts to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Food Stamp program) and that would immediately cuts 2 - 4 million more low-income individuals from the program - the ones who need it most. The key word: low-income families and that my friends means they work. How can taking food stamps away help them? 

As we enter another election cycle (2014), no one should ever forget Speaker Boehner's "Plan B" for cutting spending ... it did not pass but not for a lack of GOP leadership efforts. What was in that 2012 bill to be axed:

It was called "The Spending Reduction Act of 2012." It would have negatively impacted millions of Americans in many ways. A quick look back in time - and the CBO's review of that bill is here (*.pdf).

1.  It would have entirely eliminated federal funding for services like Meals on Wheels – which serves 1.7 million seniors.

2.  It would have gotten rid the Social Services Block Grant. 

3.  It would have also eliminated federal funds for child care and related assistance for 4.4 million children; services for nearly 1 million disabled individuals; and child protective services which serve 1.8 million at-risk children

4.  It would have dismantled programs that help homeowners prevent foreclosures, one of the most critical sources of federal assistance for homeowners who are struggling with foreclosure and need loan modifications. 

5.  It would have eliminated the guaranteed funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, thus significantly weakening its ability to make sure that the financial products and services that Americans depend on every day — including credit cards, mortgages, and loans — work better for the people who use them.

Lest We Forget.