Diaper legislation generates rash of criticism
Proposed federal legislation that would make it easier for child-care providers to use federal funds to provide diapers to low-income families has drawn criticism that the nation is becoming, uh, a nanny state.
The chief sponsor of the Diaper Investment and Aid to Promote Economic Recovery, or DIAPER, Act has portrayed it as a jobs measure -- as just about every bill introduced in Congress seems to be portrayed these days -- saying it would help parents get their children into daycare so the parents can work.
"For families struggling to pay for rent, to have enough gas to get to work, or even to put food on the table, spending an average of $4 a day -- or over $100 a month -- on diapers is beyond their means," Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said in a letter to House colleagues seeking their support for the bill.
"But without a sufficient supply of diapers, children cannot attend day care. In fact, over one in five mothers have had to skip an obligation and stay home with their child because of lack of diapers. And losing out on day care makes it even harder for parents to put in a full day's work. And so they fall further behind."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/11/diaper-legislation-rosa-delauro-rush-limbaugh.html