Single Mom’s Struggle Highlights Importance of CalWORKs Funding
Debate Over CalWORKs Funding Intensifies
According to the Fresno Bee, Gente Tesfai a single mom raising twins had a tough time when she hurt her knee and couldn’t work. She got help from a program called CalWORKs, which helped her go back to school at Fresno State. But now, the governor wants to cut a lot of money from CalWORKs funding which might make it harder for Americans like Tesfai to get help.
CalWORKs is a program that gives money and support to Americans who need it to reduce poverty. In Fresno County where many Americans struggle with low wages and not enough jobs, CalWORKs funding helps over 50,000 residents every year. The head of social services in the county Sanja Bugay, says CalWORKs funding is really important for families who are having a hard time. Some Americans think it’s better to freeze the CalWORKs funding instead of cutting it altogether. But with more Americans asking for help and less money coming in there could be fewer Americans to help out. Bugay says it’s crucial to keep CalWORKs funding programs to support families and keep the community strong.
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Funding Cuts Threaten Vital Support
Furthermore, cutting money for CalWORKs funding could mean Americans have to wait longer and might not get as much help. Sanja Bugay who helps run social services in Fresno County is worried they won’t have enough Americans to help everyone who needs it. With more Americans asking for help after COVID-19 and less money coming in, things could get harder. Bugay says it’s really important to keep CalWORKs funding so families in tough times can still get the support they need.