Abandoning programs that work well will not save states money. This example of bad politics will lead to higher costs and mores suffering as Arkansas creates more people unable to cope, more crisis, and a larger more dysfunctional citizenry in need of more services and more institutionalization. Arkansas, your schools and city streets will suffer, and your communities become more unsafe for all.

Arkansas 211 Shut Down

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Arkansas 211 telephone program that linked callers to social service programs throughout the state is being shut down due to lack of funding this week. The services offered by the program would steer callers to local organizations and services for every day needs in time of crisis including:

* Basic Human Needs Resource: food banks, clothing closets, shelters, rent assistance, utility assistance.

* Physical and Mental Health Resources: health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, Children’s Health Insurance Program, medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and rehabilitation.

Read more;read more;http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1586372.html

My note;

This is a strong example of removing the underpinnings of a support system for the most vulnerable for all the wrong reasons.

Legislators believe that they can safely save tax dollars by ignoring the needs of poor people.

They can’t. There will be no long term savings from this short sighted act.

The cost to our communities goes on for generations.

Support at risk children! Become a CASA volunteer or start a KARA group in your community.

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