This week is the 10-year anniversary of the Bush-era tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest households. In 2012 alone, the extension of these cuts will cost taxpayers an estimated $20 billion.

In stark contrast to these tax cuts to the rich are the terrible sacrifices we’re now demanding of the poor. The House is now considering slashing funding to the WIC nutrition program, which could end food assistance for up to 475,000 children and mothers.

Just 4 percent of the money we’re giving to just the top earners through the Bush tax cuts could prevent the freeze out to these vulnerable families. It’s simply unconscionable that these low-income pregnant mothers, nursing mothers, infants and young children must suffer while the very rich enjoy the bulk of the Bush tax cuts.

So when Congress says we don’t have the money to pay for these programs, we need to say to them their priorities are wrong. Their callous cuts would target our most vulnerable, even as we continue to give benefits to those who need it less.

Tell Congress: Protect the vulnerable, not the rich. Don’t cut programs that help kids.

Cross posted from the Voices.org blog