1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am appalled that Robert Kennedy Jr is slashing health programs for neonates (babies) and children. First is the Newborn Heating Screen- this test allows doctors to find out if there are any hearing issues with a baby. Having that knowledge, allows babies to be treated immediately instead of parents spending the first year questioning whether they can hear. Everything from hearing aids to cochlear implants can be done so babies hear speech since that’s how they learn to speak! The Newborn Screen has been around at least since the 70s when I became a NICU nurse. This test screens for metabolic, genetic and developmental,diseases s well as congenital and inheritable ones. It tests for things like sickle cell, cystic fibrosis, galactosemia and PKU. All of which can severely affect the growth and development of a baby. 3. Eliminating Head Start- this program started in 1965! It allows preschool and daycare for under privileged children so they are ready for kindergarten once they turn 5. It’s the basic education that many parents are unable to teach their children. It allows parents to work to feed and house their families! How can you sit by and let these extremely important programs be eliminated? Government is supposed to work for ALL the people in the country- not just the wealthy! The cruelty and heartless actions of this entire administration, including you, is not what this country stands for. I’m sick of Republicans taking fascist stands on everything that helps people. You should be completely ashamed that you are part of this and not stopping the destruction. Stand up to Trump! He is acting like a dictator not a president and Congress is too afraid to stop him!