Program provides bridge to stability

Opinion

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I am a veteran parent -- meaning I successfully made it through the child welfare system and reunited with my child. I am writing with concerns about the proposed cut to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program and the negative effect this would have on families involved in the child welfare system.

TANF helped me with becoming a member of society once again after I got treatment for my addiction and my child was returned home in 2009. The amount wasn't much, but it kept me going with meeting my family's basic needs. Without it, I don't know where I would be today.

Last May I was able to obtain a part-time job and it has been a great stepping stone for me as far as becoming self- sufficient and getting back into the working world. However, I still do not make enough to afford child care without assistance from Working Connections Child Care. I need this assistance to keep working; I need this for my self-worth and to keep moving forward in this big world we live in!

I hope that the final budget makes no cuts to TANF and helps keep families safe and together at home.

Gina Enochs
Marysville

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Herald Editorial Board

• Peter Jackson, Opinion Editor: pjackson@heraldnet.com (@PeterJHerald)

• Carol MacPherson, Editorial Writer: cmacpherson@heraldnet.com

• Josh O'Connor, Publisher: joconnor@heraldnet.com

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