LETTERS: MISSOURI LAUDED FOR HOW IT HANDLES DEADBEAT PARENTS

To the editor:

I think Missouri does a great job on helping children get what they should when parents don't want to be together anymore. Children shouldn't have to be the brunt of a parent's anger. Child support is based on both parents' income. It has to be proven in court, not what the state speculates it should be.

Paying child support not only helps in getting the children things they need to live, but it also lets the children know that both parents care about them. It is the children who are hurt the most when it's not paid.

I think Missouri is fair and is doing a great job regardless of the heavy workload state employees have to deal with when parents are not willing to do the responsible thing.

Thumbs up to Missouri in its efforts to control the ever increasing list of deadbeat parents. Thumbs up also to the parents who do the responsible thing. I know you're out there.

SUSAN RAGLAND

Anna, Ill.