Today's Press Release

Winnebago Co. Dems: Petri Has One Last Chance to Save Christmas for Winnebago's Poor

12/22/2005
CONTACT: Jef Hall 920.203.6883 jef@jefhall.com

Oshkosh - Today's passage by Vice President Cheney's tie-breaking vote of a bill that would slash Medicare, Student Loans and Child Support Collection funds aiding the neediest among us gives the opportunity for Rep. Tom Petri to finally do the right thing for Winnebago County and the 6th District.

Jef Hall, Chair of the Winnebago County Democratic Party and Petri's 2004 opponent today called for the Congressman to vote no on this harmful legislation.

"In a week that has seen special coverage in the Northwestern on Winnebago County's poverty problem; it is obscene that Rep. Petri would support this legislation." Jef Hall was quoted. "All he needs to do is pick up the paper to see the direct harm this bill does to Winnebago County."

Hall joins the unanimous Winnebago County Board and Republican State Senator Carol Roessler in condemning this act.

Some facts from the Northwestern's coverage on poverty in Winnebago County (from thenorthwesern.com):

- Winnebago County poverty has risen from 9,000 in 2000 to more than 11,400 in 2004. - The number of families falling into poverty in Wisconsin is out-pacing all other states.

- There was a nearly 6% increase in Oshkosh schoolchildren qualifying for free or reduced school lunches since 2000.

- Winnebago County froze low-income housing in 2004 due to overwhelming demand and funding losses of over $100,000 per year.

- Federal funds for food stamps, Badgercare and others have been cut 10.8% while Winnebago County residents in some of these programs have increased 93%.

- This bill will eliminate $1.4 million for Child Support Collection Enforcement. This program brings in $10 for every $1 spent and "families who rely on the money are single and low-income residents who have fought their way out of welfare."

"Tom Petri has voted twice to support this vicious cut in programs for poor and working families." Hall continued. "At the same time, he has supported tax cuts for the wealthiest among us time and again. This is not a deficit-cutting measure; it is a grab from the needy to give to the wealthy."

"Coming now, at the holidays, this is not the kind of Christmas present Winnebago County residents want from their Representative in Washington.' Hall concluded. "You've voted for it twice, Mr. Petri, don't strike out and do it again."