This page was last updated on March 29, 2012.
Budget cuts harmful; Bruce Simmeth, Executive director - United Way of Beaver County; Beaver County Times; March 29, 2012.
This is the at least the 15th letter from Mr. Simmeth since June 2005 lobbying for more government redistribution of income/wealth. If you look at my previous critiques of his letters (here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), you’ll find Mr. Simmeth tends to overstate alleged cuts and requests huge increases. In one case, Mr. Simmeth appeared to request a spending increase of from five to 10 times. In January 2006, Mr. Simmeth wanted federal taxpayers to increase their funding of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $2,000,000,000. I did not critique that letter (“Hike LIHEAP funding”; January 24, 2006) and it is no longer on the BCT website.
While I applaud Mr. Simmeth’s efforts to help the less fortunate among us, I oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to fund any of these efforts. It’s wrong to confiscate income/wealth from one person and give it to another, regardless of good intentions. Further, it can be the difference between a family remaining self-sufficient and requiring assistance.
Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.
“I am writing to express my concerns with the governor’s proposed budget cuts to programs that serve the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
[RWC] Every advocate for a constituency getting taxpayer dollars claims “Budget cuts [are] harmful … to programs that serve the most vulnerable.” All that changes is the name of the particular special interest group.
“I am especially concerned about funding reductions to mental health services, intellectual disability services, and services for people who are homeless.
“The governor’s proposal to eliminate the General Assistance cash assistance program would eliminate a lifeline for people who are in desperate crises. Most recipients are disabled, but GA also provides support to domestic violence survivors. It also provides support to people in drug or alcohol treatment programs. GA is a critical safety net benefit for our people who are coping with disabilities and abuse.
“The elimination of GA will force our very poor citizns [sic] to turn to social service agencies, which are already under tremendous pressure due to the impact of the recession.
“I would urge our state representatives and senators to reject the proposed elimination of the GA program as well as cuts to the other human services programs that provide critical support to our most vulnerable citizens.”
[RWC] There is nothing compassionate about the government taking from one family’s paycheck to give to someone who didn’t earn it. There is nothing altruistic or charitable about telling government to rob from Peter to pay Paul. Compassion is when a person freely chooses to use his own paycheck to help someone in need. Should people in need get help? Of course, but from private charities funded by voluntary contributions, not by confiscated earnings.
© 2004-2012 Robert W. Cox, all rights reserved.