FIRST THINGS FIRST BOARD DEFENDS VOTERS AND CHILDREN

State board takes unanimous position on legislative budget

YUMA, Ariz. (January 27, 2009) First Things First – the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board – during its regular public meeting, unanimously voted to oppose efforts by the legislature to take any voter approved First Things First funds, including interest earnings.  By voter approved initiative, these funds are solely intended for early childhood programs and services for all Arizona children.  First Things First monies do not come from the state’s general fund but from additional tobacco revenue voters dedicated for children birth to five. 

  “This budget crisis is real across the Country and it is real in Arizona.  We would be naive if we thought any different.  We can choose to invest our way out of it, or cut and slash our way out of it.  Now is the time to decide who we are as a state and what we want for our children.  We have an obligation to steward over these funds on behalf of the voters and we have to encourage the legislature to avoid balancing the budget on the backs of children and our most vulnerable populations. ” said board member Rhian Evans Allvin.

The motion was in response to the State of Arizona Appropriations Committee Chairs’ budget proposal to raid $7 million First Things First investment dollars and put them into the general fund.

 According to First Things First, $7 million dollars represents services such as: 

• 25,000 children enrolled in early care and education quality programs or;
• 80,500 toddlers receiving screenings for developmental delay as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or;
• 70 additional speech language, physical or occupational therapists available to provide early intervention services for children  at a time when they are most efficient and cost effective.

“This is ridiculous.  Our children deserve to be healthy and ready for school.  $7 million dollars is money that local community volunteers will use to fill the gaps in necessary services for young children in our area.  This is about 2 years of funding for Yuma’s families and children,” said Madeleine Coil, Vice Chair of Yuma Regional Partnership Council.

  More than 300 Regional Council volunteers, throughout the state of Arizona , determine how to invest in programs and services  for children and families in their communities.  At least 81 cents of every First Things First dollar is invested locally. 

  “We have a responsibility as a Board, to think not only of the children, but the voters.  It was a citizen led initiative, not lead by any organization or entity with anything to gain,” said Nadine Mathis Basha, Board Chair, “this is citizen activated – it is the best of all of us.   We must continue to engage citizens and speak for the citizens that have entrusted us.”

About First Things First  Investing in early childhood; so every Arizona child can start school healthy and ready to succeed.  www.azftf.gov   

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