Emerson votes to cut needed funds

To the editor:

Since U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson voted yes on Friday to cut our desperately needed programs -- namely food stamps, health care, child support enforcement and assistance for elderly and disabled people -- and kicked her own constituents when they're down and blocked their opportunities to pick themselves up, children, working families, the elderly and disabled will do without food and health care so that those with money and pull can get still more tax breaks.

Later Friday the House was expected to vote to cut taxes on capital gains and dividends. More than half of the benefit from this tax break goes to millionaires. The vast majority goes to people earning more than $200,000.

Therefore, Emerson will not get my vote the next time she is up for re-election. How did your representative vote on the budget cuts? A "no" vote is the right position.

MARY CORAM, Poplar Bluff, Mo.