NAEYC CHILDREN’S CHAMPIONS UPDATE
May 18, 2012
YOUR CALLS MADE A DIFFERENCE – Thank you!
The U.S. Senate considered and rejected motions to proceed for three budget proposals authored by Republican Senators (Toomey, Paul and Lee), all of which would have led to (if enacted) large cuts in child care (assistance for families, money for child care program improvements); Head Start and Early Head Start; and K-12 and higher education. Those proposals also would have made drastic cuts to Food Stamps (now called SNAP) that would make it hard for many children and families to have basic nutrition assistance they need. Senate Democrats rejected the votes, viewing them as unnecessary because Congress and the President had already agreed to spending levels for the 2013 fiscal year in last year’s debt limit law. The Senate also voted on and rejected the House-approved budget and a GOP version of President Obama’s 2013 budget.
President Obama issued a strongly worded statement in opposition to the House bill. His senior advisors said they would recommend a veto if the House bill reaches the President’s desk. To view the Administration’s statement, click here. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he has no intention of bringing the House version up in the Senate. But that still leaves two issues on the table: sequestration (automatic cuts) and whether deficit reduction will include raising revenue — not just program cuts.
But the debate is not yet over. Although none of these issues will be resolved in the short-term, the debate over spending and taxes/revenues will remain a hot topic in Washington for the foreseeable future. For that reason, NAEYC will continue to keep you up-to-date on new developments, and will provide you with the information and tools you need to effectively engage in the debate on behalf of the children and families you serve.
Here was a great example of a grassroots effort. We hope you are sharing updates and alerts with colleagues, friends and family to expand our voices with legislators.
Join Our Children's Champions email list to receive regular updates and action alerts on important child and family issues being considered by Congress and the Administration.
