FIRST THINGS FIRST SUPPORTS AND APPLAUDS
GOVERNOR BREWER ON USING FEDERAL STIMULUS PACKAGE
Decision critical to working Arizona families; FTF remains committed to children
PHOENIX (February 25, 2009) First Things First (FTF) – the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board supports and applauds Governor Jan Brewer and legislative leadership on recognizing the responsibility of the state to provide assistance to working families for child care. Using federal stimulus money will address the budget cuts that suspended child care subsidies for many low income families.
“First Things First stands with Governor Jan Brewer in this decision,” said Nadine Mathis Basha, Chair. “We need to ease some of the burden of this economic crisis. There is no doubt this federal stimulus package is absolutely necessary to keep families working and child care affordable. These funds are exactly what Arizona families need.”
On Tuesday, February 24, 2009 the FTF Board approved a $48 million Emergency Early Childhood Response package – acting on plans to provide services to families with children under 5 who are ineligible for state assistance. The $23.8 million was approved to provide child care scholarship funds for:
- working Arizona families with children birth to five who do not benefit from state child care assistance; such as a family of four earning between $36,362 and $40,100 annually (165% and 200% of the federal poverty level) and
- Those families recently unemployed, but also in need of emergency assistance for safe child care options while seeking employment.
“First Things First intends to build on the state’s commitment to a safety net for all families. Our role is to ensure that all children birth to five have high quality early childhood experiences that prepare them for success in school and life,” said Elliott Hibbs, Executive Director. “The federal stimulus dollars make it possible for the state to help ALL children. Not only will this stabilize our families, it will contribute to stabilizing our economy. Businesses will not lose employees who have to choose between keeping their job and caring for their children.”
By voter approved initiative, FTF funds are voter protected, and solely intended for early childhood programs and services for all Arizona children. FTF funds cannot be used to take the place of funds designated to be maintained by the State Legislature. 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.
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.
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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