I was shocked to learn that the Fund for a Healthy Maine is again being targeted for cuts.

Is it possible that Maine legislators will again make a short-sighted decision to use this special fund (which is not taxpayer dollars) to fix the budget?

The Fund for a Healthy Maine has endured over $90 million in raids over the years. Imagine if that money had been used as it was intended – to help get and keep Maine people healthy. That would have gone a long way to getting our health care costs under control and easing the burden on the state budget.

The Fund for a Healthy Maine is working. We can see it on a state level with the 60 percent drop in youth smoking, reductions in youth alcohol and drug use, and with less children in the child welfare system due to home visitations and other prevention programs.

The Fund for a Healthy Maine is our only source of funds to invest in preventing disease. Legislators would be foolish to undercut this golden opportunity provided by the tobacco settlement to help Maine people live healthier lives. I urge the Appropriations Committee to reject all proposals that would divert money from the Fund for a Healthy Maine or use the money for other purposes.

Joan Churchill, family services director,

Community Concepts, Auburn