States Ax Programs for Elderly, Kids

States are slashing social services across the US, crippling programs for children and the elderly that might save money in the long run, the New York Times reports. Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus plan is easing the pain by helping low earners, but at least 34 states are cutting aid to America's most vulnerable. "We’re getting short-term savings that will result in greater long-term human and financial costs,” said Arizona official Linda Blessing.

Illinois, Florida, and Ohio are among recession-battered states making difficult cuts, but Arizona is enduring some of the worst. More than 1,000 of the state's elderly no longer have home-care aides, reports of child abuse or neglect are sometimes ignored, and toddlers with disabilities no longer receive therapy. But Gov. Jan Brewer faces a $3 billion shortfall. “There are no good options," said Blessing, "just less bad options.” (More elderly stories.)