FIRST THINGS FIRST STATEMENT REGARDING
DEFEAT OF PROPOSITION 302
PHOENIX (November 2, 2010) – Statement of First Things First Board Chair Steven W. Lynn:
“First Things First appreciates this show of confidence from Arizona voters and their continued commitment to our youngest kids. We will continue in our mission to ensure that all Arizona kids have the tools they need to start kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. We remain deeply concerned about the state’s on-going financial challenges and the potential impact on services for families and children. We are committed to renewing our discussions with the Governor and the Legislature on how we can partner to maximize resources during these tough times, always keeping in mind the voters’ mandate to use these funds to expand and enhance education and health services for kids age 5 and younger.”
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First Things First was created in 2006, when Arizona voters – through the Proposition 203 ballot initiative – decided to set aside 80 cents from each pack of cigarettes sold in order to fund the expansion of education and health programs for children 5 years old and younger. Under the terms of the proposition, decisions about how to best use the funds are made on a per‐region basis by 31 councils made up of local leaders. The statewide board – which has final approval of the councils’ recommendations – is responsible for ensuring that the funds are used on programs proven to work at improving outcomes for children.