Thanks to Perales
Editor:
On behalf of children and families served by Ohio’s child protection system, Public Children Services Association of Ohio sincerely thanks Rep. Rick Perales of the 73rd District for voting earlier this month to provide an additional $15 million per year for children services as part of the 2018-19 budget.
Working with House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger and House Finance Committee Chairman Ryan Smith, Rep. Perales prioritized the safety of children and the stability of their families suffering from opioid addiction.
These funds, if included in the final version of the budget, will help county children services agencies address increased demands for foster care stemming from the opioid epidemic. Rep. Perales’ vote directly supports efforts right here in the 73rd district.
For example, in Greene County: Between 2010 and 2016, the median number of days that children remained in temporary custody increased by 2 percent and placement costs for these children have increased by 49 percent since 2013.
Rep. Perales also voted to set aside $10 million in federal funds so that grandparents and other kin who find themselves unexpectedly raising children can access child care subsidies. Together, these budget allocations will improve the safety, permanency and well-being of children, the innocent victims of this epidemic, and help stabilize families suffering from addiction and other challenges. If more revenues become available, we urge the Senate to add more funding for children services as this opioid crisis deepens.
— Angela Sausser, Public Children Services Association of Ohio Executive Director, Columbus
Recognizing Memorial Day
Editor:
2017 is the one hundredth anniversary of America’s entry into World War I. Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae, who died in 1918 on the Western Front in France, wrote a poem titled “In Flanders Fields” to honor a fellow Canadian soldier.
“In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place … We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
… .if ye break faith with us who die In Flanders fields.
We shall not sleep …”
In American Military Cemeteries around the world there are rows of crosses with flags flying beside each cross. Under each of these crosses lies a loved one, a hero – someone who sacrificed for each of us. Some of these heroes died in wars and others came back from the wars but all of them gave a part of themselves for America.
One of my grandmothers was at the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery in 1921 and she now lies in Byron Cemetery next to my grandfather, a soldier who served in World War I. My other grandmother always called it “Decoration Day” and she always made sure that the graves of her loved ones had flowers in place. Her husband and two sons served in World War I, World War II and Korea and although they returned from the wars, they all now rest in Fairfield Cemetery.
We celebrate Memorial Day with bands playing stirring marches and with patriotic ceremonies. It is the day of solemn reverence set aside to reflect on the death of all of our loved ones and to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country.
On this sacred day, veterans place wreaths, fire salutes, give tributes, offer prayers and always finish with a bugle playing TAPS in honor of all our heroes.
“Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest; God is nigh.”
— Catherine Parsons Forester, Fairborn Graduate
