[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 54 (Thursday, March 23, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      WELFARE AND NUTRITION REFORM

  (Mrs. THURMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about the real stories, not 
just the stories made up in people's minds, real people at home.
  Here is a family, a husband, two teenage boys, one 11-year-old with 
cerebral palsy; husband works near minimum wage, Social Security for 
disabled child, receives food stamps. Says hardest time is last week of 
the month; never skips meals, but makes do with noodles and bouillon or 
grilled cheese sandwiches. She always worries that the kids are not 
getting enough protein and fresh vegetables. She feeds the kids first, 
then she eats, sometimes she does not eat. Delays bills to pay for 
food, had water shut off; a local program provided turkey and fixings 
last Christmas, also blankets and other things.
  She says it hurts to hear that programs might be cut. She knows that 
some people sell their food stamps, and that makes others look bad.
  She wants people to know that poor does not mean lazy. Her husband 
works, and she works hard taking care of her disabled son.
  Things were better about 6 years ago, when her husband had a good job 
and she was working, too. Then her mother died, and they almost filed 
bankruptcy.
  Kathleen says she never thought her family would be poor, but is 
thankful for the small things. ``I always tell my kids that we are not 
as bad off as some people. They should feel fortunate to have a roof 
over their heads.''


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