Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current, January 05, 2011, Page 17, Image 17

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

    January 5. 2011
^ortlanb (Obseruer
Page 17
Tf
New Prices *
Effective
May 1,2010
Martin
Cleaning
Service
Carpet & Upholstery
Cleaning
Residential &
Commercial Services
Minimum Service CHG
$45.00
A s m a ll d is ta n c e /tr a v e l c h a rg e
m a y b e a p p lie d
CARPET CLEANING
2 Cleaning Areas or
more $30.00 Each Area
Pre-Spray Traffic Areas
(Includes: 1 sm all H allw ay)
1 Cleaning Area (only)
$40.00
Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area
(Hallway Extra)
Stairs (12-16 stairs - With
Other Services): $25.00
Area/Oriental Rugs:
$25.00 Minimum
Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool):
$40.00Minimum
Heavily Soiled Area:
Additional $10.00 each area
(Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying)
¡«S
IN
Hunger Increases i America
Need goes
beyond the
poorest of
the poor
by
J udge G reg M athis
Reports that corporations
that received federal bailout
dollars are doing better, even making a
profit, gives many economists a reason to
smile. Unfortunately, that corporate cheer
isn’t trickling down to the average Ameri­
can, many of whom still struggle to make
ends meet.
This isn’t about paying bills. Rather, many
Americans aren’t getting their most basic
need met: the need for food.
D ata released by The U.S. C onfer­
ence o f M ayors show s that the nation’s
food banks saw a 24-percent increase in
visits. And nearly 43 m illion A m ericans -
a record - were using food stam ps this
past fall.
The reality o f our econom y - and
the effect it has had our citizens - is
sobering. Fifty-six-percent of those
seeking help getting food were fam i­
lies, w hile 19-percent were seniors.
Before you think that only the poor­
est o f the poor are struggling with
hunger, consider this: T hirty-percent
o f those in need of help are em ployed.
We hear elected officials talk more
and more about reducing our nation’s
debt. U nfortunately, many w ant to re­
duce it by hurting the poor. They believe
that cutting aid to heavily funded govern­
m ent program s - Social Security, M edic­
aid and M edicare, three program s that
support the poor, am ong them - is the
only way to bring down the nation’s debt.
W hile this approach may seem logical,
it’s not the correct one. And the news
from the C onference o f M ayors con­
firm s that.
With unemployment holding at nearly 10-
percent, more Americans are slipping into
poverty. Now, more than ever, the poor
needs the government to support the, not
reduce the services available. The safety
net that is supposed to cradle the needy
during difficult times must not only be pre­
served, it must be extended.
As we enter a New Year, it’s time that
America gets its priorities in check. O f
course, we must continue to strengthen
those industries that drive our economy.
But, more importantly, we must also hold up
those individuals and families that make up
the fabric of our nation.
Greg Mathis is a form er Michigan
District Court judge and current syndi­
cated television show judge.
UPHOLSTERY
CLEANING
Sofa: $69.00
Loveseat: $49.00
Sectional: $109 - $139
Chair or Recliner:
$25 - $49
Throw Pillows (With
Other Services): $5.00
%
ADDITIONAL
SERVICES
• Area & Oriental Rug
Cleaning
• Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning
• Deodorizing & Pet
Odor Treatment
• Spot & Stain
Removal Service
• Scotchguard Protection
• Minor Water Damage
Services
SEE CURRENT FLYER
FOR ADDITIONAL
PRICES & SERVICES
Call for Appointment
(503) 281-3949