1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am a mother of two school-age children, a teacher, and a proud member of my community in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I support USAID and the programs it developed and invested in around the world. I use the word “invested” because money spent to bring medicine, disaster relief, and promote democracy was truly an investment in America’s interests in the world. One small but mighty program that has been paused was an endowment scholarship to allow woman in Afghanistan to take online college classes or leave the country to take classes in surrounding areas. I have watched in horror as women’s rights have vanished as the Taliban regained power, and was grateful there were programs like this to help promote strong, educated women and give them opportunities to grow. It also helps those people to see democracy and America in a positive light, as a force for good. This program was highly efficient, putting the initial endowment into a fund and using only the interest to create scholarships. This program could keep going for years and years without any additional funds, creating maximum impact for no additional money. While I understand the desire to use our money well as a nation, I believe these programs are a fantastic use of our tax money. I want my tax money to be used to help people without hope and continue to make America a place that brings light into dark places. Stand up for restoring USAID. It is good, useful, and brings practical aid. It is something that I want my America to stand for.