Legislators look at homeless issues

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Lafayette Urban Ministry is asking state legislators to consider bills to help the hungry and homeless during the 2010 session. Director of Social Justice for LUM, Patti O'Callaghan, outlined the most pressing issues. She asked legislators to provide better access to food stamps and Medicaid, create a tax credit for child and dependent care, support affordable housing, and increase funding for energy assistance. O'Callaghan said with high unemployment more people than ever are in need of services.

"We have more people that are coming to get help that have never needed help before. They've been good workers for 25-30 years and they get laid off and their safety net is gone, so we really do need to do what we can. I know the state budget is going to be tight but when times are tight, that's not the time to give less to people who need it," she explained.

Legislators go back to the state house in January 2010.