While Michigan families are already dealing with the rising cost of groceries, Representatives Tom Barrett (MI-7), John James (MI-10), and Bill Huizenga (MI-4) just voted to make things worse for people who are struggling to afford food.
Congressmen Barrett, James, and Huizenga all voted last Thursday for an Agriculture Department appropriations bill that would reduce food assistance for women and children. The bill would cut $141 million from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children — known as WIC — reducing fruit and vegetable benefits for nearly 5.4 million children and pregnant and postpartum women. In Michigan, about 187,000 people rely on WIC, including 42% of infants in the state.
"I have seen firsthand how good nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood affects children throughout their entire lives," said Kim, a nurse in Michigan's 7th District. "Cutting WIC benefits forces parents toward less healthy options, negatively impacting new mothers and children. At a time when grocery prices are already so high, Congressman Barrett’s reckless vote will make it even harder for parents trying to provide healthy food for their kids.”
By voting to reduce WIC, and previously voting for the Republican Tax Law’s deep cuts to SNAP benefits, Congressmen James, Barrett, and Huizenga have shown a disregard for families in Michigan’s 10th, 7th, and 4th Districts who are struggling to put food on their tables. Michigan Families for Fair Care is calling on all three representatives to stop jeopardizing benefits for hardworking Michigan families and, instead, work to bring them the relief they need.
