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This budget is unacceptable
The proposed budget risks the lives, health, learning and well-being of Washington's children. Urge lawmakers to step up and take a balanced approach that protects kids and families struggling through tough economic times. Send your letter now.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , It's a cruel reality that as the needs of families rise during this recession, the resources our state has to meet our needs is shrinking. After looking at the cuts proposed in the Governor's budget, I know I can't live with the impacts of an all-cuts approach. Washington's kids and families need support to survive the tough economic times our state is facing. It's time for a balanced approach that includes substantial increased revenue to protect families in the following programs: Every child needs health coverage, but the proposed budget throws 16,000 kids off of the Apple Health for Kids program and rolls back ten years of progress in children's health coverage. High quality early learning opportunities are proven to be excellent, money-saving investments. Children who participate in early learning opportunities are less likely to commit crimes, more likely to succeed in school, and more likely to earn a living wage. But the proposed budget forces 1,500 kids out of successful ECEAP programs - joining the 2,600 kids already sitting on waiting lists while critical early learning years pass them by. We can't afford an all-cuts approach. Please support a balanced approach that provides substantial increases in revenue when Washington's kids need our support the most.
Sincerely, |
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| Background Information |
On December 8th the Governor released her proposed budget. As required by the Washington State Constitution, she presented a balanced budget with existing revenue. The cuts in her budget are brutal and sweeping.
Programs kids and families count on are eliminated and slashed. A few examples of the cuts:
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Elimination of 1,500 kids from the the Early Childhood Education Assistance Program
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Cutting back the eligibility level for Apple Health for Kids by a third, forcing 20,000 kids off of the health coverage they use for regular doctor's visits, health screenings and preventative care.
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Massive reductions to the Working Connections child care subsidy program that helps parents pay for child care while they go to work and job training.
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Elimination of the state's commitment to ending racial inequalitiies in the child welfare system - the Racial Disproportionality Advisory Committee.
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$500,000 cut from maternity support services for at-risk pregnant women
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Elimination of medical interpreter services funding
How did we get here?
In our state, revenue is tied to the rise and fall of the economy. In a recession, just as the needs of families, workers, and kids rise, our revenues fall. This recession is the worst since the great depression. The fall in revenue is most severe our state has ever experienced. Meanwhile, families are struggling to survive. Programs like Apple Health for Kids are a saving grace.
You can learn a lot more about how the recession is impacting our state budget at the Washington Budget and Policy Center.
Additional information:
Read the Children's Alliance Legislative Agenda
