Critical services are being threatened by proposed cuts to programs that serve children most in need. It takes a community to raise a child. That applies particularly to children who experience abuse and neglect, or have a disability or mental health needs.

The issue here isn’t just about compassion, although that seems to be a value worth promoting. It’s also about smart business. Many of the current services are extremely cost-effective in both the short and long run. The proposed cuts threaten to greatly undermine Maine’s commitment to its most vulnerable citizens.

There is a viable alternative being proposed. L.D. 705 can generate $90 million by creating user fees on frills such as beer, soft drinks, cigarettes and summer lodging, making income taxes less regressive. Several sponsors of L.D. 705 are proposing to dedicate proceeds of this bill to those vulnerable children who would be harmed by the proposed cuts.

In Oxford, Androscoggin and Franklin counties, mental health and child development services are on the chopping block. Elimination of the Family Support Program (Community Intervention Program), which serves children at risk of abuse and neglect, has been proposed. Unfortunately, the list goes on.

It appears that up to 60 percent of the proposed cuts will affect children. That’s a huge hit for individuals with no voice. The harm, including possible deaths, is real if these cuts are allowed to go through.

The proposed actions need a swift response from the public. Children’s quality of life and safety are at risk.

Debbie Dembski, Norway

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