Find a way to help Missouri seniors

To the editor:

The 2006 Missouri Legislature appropriated $3.52 million for a supplemental food-stamp program to help Missouri's low-income seniors who receive only $10 a month in food stamps. House Bill 1905, sponsored by House Speaker Rod Jetton, would increase the minimum monthly food-stamp benefit for seniors to $30 a month. Jetton received support from numerous senior organizations from across the state. However, the legislation to accompany the appropriation didn't pass. Gov. Matt Blunt has the administrative authority to enact this program, and he should do the right thing: direct the spending of this $3.52 million for its intended purpose, food stamps for low-income seniors. I strongly encourage Jetton, who has made the senior food-stamp issue his priority, to follow through on his promise to Missouri seniors and urge the governor to make sure that these funds are used to help Missouri's most vulnerable senior citizens. If the governor doesn't act, seniors will miss out and the money will be spent anyway with no accountability.

CHRISTINE SHINE, Coordinator, Hunger Task Force, Missouri Association for Social Welfare, Jefferson City, Mo.