Family planning vital

During these economically uncertain times, we’re all doing our best to make sure our budgets make the most sense. We’re shopping for deals, cutting coupons and dining out less. We’re eliminating the frivolous and investing in what’s really important.

In terms of our state budget, family planning should fall in the category of high importance. Our state invests in Take Charge, a Medicaid family planning program, in order to provide people with services related to preventing unintended pregnancies.

The proposal to eliminate the Take Charge program is outrageous. Eliminating Take Charge will remove $4 million per year in expenditures, but it will result in $50 million per year in costs associated with new unintended pregnancies. Take Charge supports families teetering on the edge of poverty for which the costs associated with an unintended pregnancy could be devastating.

If our state can’t pay now, think about who is going to pay later.

Kelly Cuilla

Spokane Valley

Thank you for your editorial urging drivers to forgo studded tires (“Driving on studded tries taxes roads and budgets,” Sept. 15). Every fall, winter and spring I cringe when I think of studded tires gouging our bare roads and streets. I hope many will be willing to try some good all-weather tires.

Laverne Meekhof

Spokane