Letters to the Editor | July 23, 2026

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick posted a photo on social media with the caption, “Every child deserves a healthy start — and no family should have to navigate outdated barriers to access the nutrition and care their children need.” As a 28-year Bucks County resident, I found Fitzpatrick’s statement hypocritical.

The Republican-led Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which cut about $19 billion a year from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food stamps to low-income children.

Fitzpatrick initially supported the OBBBA — despite its deep cuts to benefits for low-income families and children. All his fellow Pennsylvania Republicans — including Reps. Ryan Mackenzie, Scott Perry, and Daniel Meuser — voted for Donald Trump’s bill and its huge cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Fitzpatrick was only able to vote against the final bill because the Republicans in Congress could pass it without his aye.

Fitzpatrick has shown he can do photo ops but cannot do the right thing for the families and children of Bucks County.

Stephanie Bariahtaris, Wrightstown

I was pleased to read your article about how state lawmakers were able to find money in the budget to support a prison bus program. I worked for a nonprofit that transported children every two months to their mothers at the Muncy Prison. They had done so for several years — funding 50% from their endowment and 50% from the state. It was year-to-year state funding. We had a part-time social worker and a part-time psychologist working with the children and the guardians. A social worker and a full-time social worker, who volunteered without pay, accompanied the children on the bus to the prison. They also provided counseling to the mothers. Around 2010, the state rescinded the funding, and the program had to stop because the state also cut back on other programs. The agency’s endowment could not cover the differences. Years ago, an accountant for a children’s mental health facility told me that it took three years to get fully reimbursed by Pennsylvania. They were only able to keep running because other states sent their children there and paid promptly. Many good programs for children are regularly abandoned due to inconsistent state and federal payments and funding.

John Marquess, retired auditor and nonprofit accountant, Haddon Heights

What a prime example of voter fraud! Mike Lindell, endorsed by Donald Trump to run for governor of Minnesota, is registered to vote in Texas.

Karel Kilimnik, Philadelphia

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