You used to describe the Bush's and Romney's of the world as "squishy republicans." I always assumed that meant you thought they were too liberal, and always gave in to the left. I now realize you meant that as they were not liberal enough. Looking at the Bush years, which of these government programs do you disagree with, and why is it not enough
State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Expansion: Although initially enacted in 1997 under President Clinton, President Bush signed legislation in 2007 to renew and expand the SCHIP program. SCHIP provides health insurance to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.
Healthy Marriage and Responsible Fatherhood Initiatives: As part of the welfare reform efforts, Bush promoted programs encouraging family stability, marriage, and fatherhood to foster environments beneficial to children's upbringing. The administration believed strengthening families would positively impact children's well-being.
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR): While primarily focused on combating HIV/AIDS globally, this initiative supported orphans and vulnerable children affected by the disease, providing health, education, and social services to help improve their lives.
Reading First: As part of the NCLB Act, this initiative focused on improving literacy and reading comprehension among young students, particularly those in low-performing schools.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Reauthorization (2004): The Bush administration reauthorized and updated IDEA, emphasizing accountability and improving educational results for children with disabilities, ensuring they received appropriate public education services.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) Expansion
The Bush administration expanded the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which allows working parents to claim a credit for child care expenses. This credit helps reduce the tax burden for families with children under 13 who need child care so parents can work or look for employment.
Under Bush, the maximum percentage of eligible expenses for this credit was increased, providing more relief for low- and moderate-income families.
Child Tax Credit Expansion
The Child Tax Credit was increased during the Bush administration as part of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. The maximum credit was raised from $500 per child to $1,000, which provided significant financial relief for families. The credit was also made partially refundable, which benefited low-income families who owed little or no income tax.
This expansion played a significant role in reducing child poverty by offering direct financial assistance to families with children.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Reauthorization
While TANF was initially created in 1996, Bush reauthorized it in 2005 and included provisions to promote work, marriage, and family stability. This program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children and includes funding for child care, making it easier for parents to work and support their families.
The reauthorization included measures to improve access to child care services for low-income working families, increasing funding for child care subsidies.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Changes
While Bush did not introduce SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), his administration made improvements to simplify the application process and encourage participation among eligible low-income families, many of whom were families with children.
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, signed by Bush, reauthorized the Food Stamp Program and expanded access to food assistance, benefiting millions of children in low-income households.
School Lunch and Breakfast Program
The Bush administration supported the continuation and expansion of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program, which provide free or reduced-price meals to children from low-income families. These programs ensure that children receive nutritious meals during the school day, helping to reduce hunger and improve learning outcomes.
And let's never forget about the infamous No Child Left Behind law
See a whole lot of extensions paraded as bush republican policies.