IDAHO: Provide for the children

The Coeur d’Alene Press posted an article that states the number of homes living paycheck to paycheck is increasing. I have also seen an article highlighting that Idaho is among 13 states that chose not to participate in a summer feeding program for children, citing concerns about sending the wrong message. Apparently, those who are susceptible to food insecurity need to know that they have to work for what they get. However, with the minimum wage still set at $7.25 an hour (which it has been since 2009) and the minimum wage for a tipped employee at $4.25 an hour, many lower-income parents face challenges in providing for their children. It’s perplexing that our legislature can prioritize the regulation of cultural issues yet hesitate to support feeding children in need. I wonder if they have heard the phrase, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

ERNEST WARNER

Coeur d’Alene