Yesterday’s announcement by the Cabinet of Health and Family Services of budget cuts to child care demonstrates our state’s lack of commitment to Kentucky’s children and families.
- Effective April 1, 2013 the Kentucky Cabinet will not accept new applications from low income working families seeking assistance.
- Effective July 1, 2013 income eligibility for current participants will be dramatically reduced.
Immediate action is needed to oppose Kentucky’s diminishing support of our children and families.
Copy and paste the following message on the Kentucky’s Governors Contact Us page:
Subject: Kentucky’s Children and Families Need You
Comments: As thousands of advocates across the state gather next week for Children’s Advocacy Day
our voices will be loud and clear – the draconian cuts to the Child Care Assistance Program on the backs of low income working parents is unacceptable.
Kindergarten readiness and the health and safety of our youngest citizens is in jeopardy of compromising your long standing commitment to young children.
Governor, we need your help to keep parents earning and children learning.
Contact the Kentucky Governor’s office today. Leave a reply below, letting us know you’ve made your voice heard. Together, let’s be a voice for all children.
Sent mine!
I am a volunteer with CASA and we had to let go of our 2 supervisors. As difficult as it will be to effectively run the Kenton County CASA without them, we will survive. But I can’t see how effective it will be for these parents who need the childcare, in order to work, to lose this benefit. In my mind, this will cause them to leave their jobs and end up on welfare. Doesn’t seem effective at all.
You’re absolutely right Maria. The cuts will be devastating for families and children. Thank you for being a part of this crucial conversation.
Sent my message!
Wow, you are right, this will be devastating for our young kids in low income families! These kids, who tend to be “at-risk”, need the intellectual, social, and emotional growth that centers provide. If they stay home versus going to a childcare center because parents can’t get assistance, they simply won’t be afforded the same opportunities a group-based, structured, nurturing, educational experience allows. Ive experienced so many at-risk kids who have benefitted from being in quality childcare centers such as Children Inc.’s. I’m going to get on the governor about this for sure. Thanks for the heads up and the link! -Melissa
Please don’t make these changes. It will push already struggling families further into poverty and put more children at risk of abuse because of added stress on these families.
I sent the message with the hopes that they find other avenues to cut and stop cheating our children, they are going to be tomorrow leaders. If parents cannot provide quality childcare with educational standards then what will our world become when this generation reaches adulthood. If we can instill the love of learning at an early age then just maybe they will continue to love to learn forever. Quality childcare facilities are needed and they are expensive for one child what if you have four?