Philly Inquirer Editorial: Welfare cuts: Wrong to target most vulnerable

February 13, 2012

by Margaret Scott

There is plenty not to like in Gov. Corbett's proposed $27.1 billion budget plan, but his disregard for the state's most needy tops the list.

Children would lose Medicaid benefits and thousands of adults would be tossed off General Assistance rolls, including the disabled, recovering drug addicts, and battered women.

For the second year, Corbett held firm on his pledge to avoid tax increases by making drastic cuts to balance the budget. His proposed "lean and demanding" budget targets two of the costliest state departments - Education and Public Welfare. Corbett's efforts to be fiscally responsible are commendable. He has difficult choices to make. But his priorities when it comes to where to cut are downright disturbing. see more