AN ACT
REPEALING TITLE 8, CHAPTER 13, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES; AMENDING SECTION
42-3372, ARIZONA REVISED STATUTES; RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
AND HEALTH PROGRAMS.
Be
it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section
1. Termination and repeal
A.
The Arizona early childhood development and health board terminates
on December 1, 2010 as provided by section 41-2956, Arizona Revised
Statutes.
B.
Title 8, chapter 13, Arizona Revised Statutes, is repealed on June 1,
2011.
Sec.
2. Section 42-3372, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended to read:
42-3372. Disposition of monies
Notwithstanding section 42-3102, The department shall deposit,
pursuant to sections 35-146 and 35-147, monies levied and collected
pursuant to this article in the early childhood
development and education fund established by section 8-1181 for use
as prescribed by title 8, chapter 13 STATE GENERAL
FUND. THESE MONIES SHALL BE SEPARATELY ACCOUNTED FOR AND SHALL BE APPROPRIATED
FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES FOR CHILDREN.
Sec.
3. Reversion of monies
On
December 1, 2010, the remaining balance of unexpended and unencumbered
monies in the early childhood development and health fund reverts to
the state general fund.
2.
The Secretary of State shall submit this proposition to the voters at
the next general election as provided by article IV, part 1, section
1, Constitution of Arizona.
ANALYSIS
BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Proposition
302 would:
1.
Redirect the ongoing tobacco tax revenues that are currently deposited
in the Early Childhood Development and Health fund for deposit in the
state general fund, to be separately accounted for and appropriated
for health and human services for children.
2.
Transfer any remaining uncommitted Early Childhood Development and Health
fund monies to the state general fund on December 1, 2010.
3.
Terminate the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board on
December 1, 2010.
4.
Repeal the Early Childhood Development and Health program statutes on
June 1, 2011.
The
Early Childhood Development and Health Fund consists of revenues generated
by an $.80 per pack tax on tobacco products and donations and state
appropriations. The fund is administered by the Arizona Early Childhood
Development and Health Board and is required to be used for the following
purposes:
1.
Funding central and field offices, employing staff and establishing
and appointing regional partnership councils, which make funding recommendations
to the Board.
2.
Disbursing monies for programs and grants that increase the quality
of and access to early childhood development and health services for
children up to five years of age and their families.
The
Arizona Farm Bureau opposed this "budgeting by the ballot box"
when it was first proposed, and we support repeal. Appropriation of
funds and spending authority needs to reside with the legislature and
the governor. We need to hold them accountable for their policies and
decisions, and they need more control over the budget - not less. If
nothing else is highlighted by our current budget crisis, this is, and
we need to reverse from the excesses of these initiatives.
| Kevin
G. Rogers, President, Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, Gilbert |
James
W. Klinker, Chief Administrative Officer, Arizona Farm Bureau
Federation, Gilbert |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Farm Bureau Federation |
The
Arizona Tax Research Association (ATRA), Arizona's only statewide taxpayer
organization, supports Proposition 302. As all Arizonans are now painfully
aware, the recession has had a devastating effect on the Arizona economy.
Almost 300,000 Arizonans have lost jobs in recent years. The recession
has also created historic budget challenges at the state level. Since
the high-water mark in Fiscal Year 2007, state general fund revenues
have fallen $3.6 billion or 37%. The state's current structural budget
deficit is $1.7 billion.
In
struggling to close state budget deficits over the last three years,
state policymakers have faced a myriad of difficult decisions. Taxes
have been increased over $1.2 billion. On-going state spending has been
reduced $1.1 billion. However, despite the progress that has been made,
Arizona will continue to be faced with major budget deficits for the
foreseeable future.
If
there is any silver lining with budget deficits, it is that policymakers
are forced to re-prioritize spending within available revenues. However,
in Arizona, those budget decisions are complicated by a series of voter
initiatives that handcuffed lawmaker's budget authority. Those initiatives
have mandated expenditures for education, low income health care, early
childhood programs, and land conservation. Each has played a role in
increasing the deficit.
Proposition
302 would redirect 80 cents of our current tobacco taxes that are earmarked
for the Early Childhood Development and Health fund to the state general
fund to be appropriated for health and human services for children.
If passed, Proposition 302 will plug a $324 million hole in the current
state budget. Failure will result in further reductions in the programs
that receive state support: K-12 schools, universities, low income health
care, and prison spending. Or worse, taxpayers will once again be looked
upon to close this chronic budget deficit.
|
Kevin McCarthy,
President, Arizona Tax Research Association, Gilbert |
Lori Daniels, Board
Member, Arizona Tax Research Association, Chandler |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Tax Research Association |
Support Proposition 302 - Protect Children's Health Care
For
the last two years, state government has faced
multi-billion dollar deficits . Unfortunately, economists expect
these mammoth deficits to continue for several more years. Long gone
are the days when the state had the luxury of spending taxpayer money
on programs that are outside the core functions of state government.
Although well-intended, new non-essential government programs that were
put in place when the economy was strong must now be re-evaluated. It
is time to set clear priorities on where
government should invest its scare resources to best serve the people
of Arizona.
Proposition
302 essentially redirects funds from specialized preschool programs
that serve a narrow population to core health
and human services programs that will benefit far more children
and families. Few options remain for elected officials to balance the
budget. Without the flexibility allowed by Proposition 302, lawmakers
will likely have to consider draconian cuts to the state's Medicaid
program (AHCCCS) which serves low-income Arizonans, K-12 education,
and universities. To make matters worse, if the state cuts funding for
Medicaid, we will lose three times as much money
from the federal government in matching funds. The implications for
our entire health care system are profound.
Proposition
302 provides a pathway to avoid potentially painful
cuts to essential children's health care services and education
by making an additionally $345 million
available for the next fiscal year. Join with the Arizona Chamber of
Commerce and Industry in supporting this measure to help
refocus state government expenditures on those areas that matter
most.
|
Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce &
Industry, Phoenix |
Reginald
M. Ballantyne III, Chairman, Arizona Chamber of Commerce &
Industry, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Chamber of Commerce & Industry |
Argument
Against PROP 302
Early
Childhood Development and Health Programs
PROP
302 will repeal the First Things First Program, an early childhood initiative
that was passed by Arizona voters in 2006. Voting NO on PROP 302 will
protect the decision made by Arizona voters to fund early childhood
health and development programs.
This
repeal will divert over $300 million from the early childhood services
program and put it into the general fund. Arizona voters approved a
new tobacco tax in order to fund this program and taking these funds
betrays the trust of Arizona voters and robs vital services from Arizona's
families and children. Arizonans approved this tax increase for a specific
purpose and repealing this program and diverting the funds for another
purpose deceives Arizona voters.
As
voters in this state, we must trust that the initiatives and funding
we approve at the ballot will be respected and instituted as written.
If we allow these funds to be raided by the state legislature, then
Arizona voters will lose their rights to approve initiatives. Arizona
will become a state that is governed by politicians and not its citizens.
Protect
the decisions of Arizona's voters. The Arizona Education Association
requests that you vote NO on PROP 302.
| John
Wright, President, Arizona Education Association, Phoenix |
Andrew
Morrill, Vice President, Arizona Education Association, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by AEA Education
Improvement Fund |
Valley
of the Sun United Way Argument Against Proposition 302 Ballot Measure:
Valley
of the Sun United Way (VSUW) believes that public resources should be
invested in early childhood education and development to ensure our
state's future. In 2006 Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved the
First Things First voter initiative to make sustained and community-based
investments in Arizona's children. Proposition 302 would dismantle the
voter-approved commitment to investing in early childhood education
and development. Accordingly VSUW is opposed to Proposition 302.
Since
1925, VSUW has developed and funded programs proven to help children
enter school safe, healthy and ready to learn. Providing quality learning
experiences in the home and in child care settings lays the foundation
for lifelong learning and success.
By
passing the First Things First initiative
Arizona voters created community-based partnerships that are working
to educate and develop Arizona children and strengthen Arizona's families.
These community networks of individuals, service organizations like
VSUW and businesses bring together and deploy the resources and expertise
that children need to succeed in school.
In
2006 Arizona voters established a specific funding source for these
investments in Arizona's children that would not be subject to conflicting
priorities. Proposition 302 would reverse this commitment and open these
funds to legislative appropriation. VSUW believes we should build on
the foundation established by the voter initiative and continue dedicating
these resources to the education and development of Arizona's youngest
children.
Please
vote NO on Proposition 302.
Respectfully,
|
Merl E. Waschler,
President & CEO, Valley of the Sun United Way, Phoenix |
Katherine
Cecala, Chief Operating Officer, Valley of the Sun United Way,
Phoenix |
Brian
Spicker, Senior VP, Community Impact, Valley of the Sun United
Way, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Valley
of the Sun United Way |
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH PROGRAMS
- Con Statement
The
League of Women Voters of Arizona urges you to vote NO on Prop 302.
In 2006, voters passed a citizen's initiative to fund statewide grants
to programs that increase the quality of early childhood development
and health services for children up to five years of age.
This
initiative enacted its own funding mechanism (a tobacco tax of $0.80
per pack), which has never been collected into Arizona's general fund
and as such never been calculated into the state's general budget or
caused its current budget problem.
Now
the legislature wants to benefit from the tobacco `tax' money without
actually enacting the tax itself. Many legislators have taken a "no
tax pledge" and yet this approach allows them to circumvent that
philosophy. Ultimately they are taking a tax the people have self-imposed
(to fund early childhood development) and putting it in the general
fund for use as the legislators see fit. The stated aim is to allocate
this money to benefit children, although without guarantee of such.
If that is the true aim, the money would best be directed by the `First
Things First' program. If not the true aim, we say - robbing young children
of badly needed developmental programs is not the way to fix state budget
issues.
In
1998, voters passed the Voter Protection Act, under which the legislature
cannot tamper with voter-passed legislation without going back to the
voters. The "First Things First" program falls under this
Act.
Do
not let the legislature "sweep" these
Voter Protected funds to the general budget and terminate the
AZ Early Childhood Development and Health Board on December 1, 2010.
Vote "NO" to save this Voter Protected program.
| Dr.
Bonnie F. Saunders, President, League of Women Voters of Arizona,
Surprise |
Dr.
Barbara Klein, 1st Vice President, League of Women Voters of Arizona,
Scottsdale |
|
Paid for by League
of Women Voters of Arizona |
ARGUMENT AGAINST PROP. 302
Are
you as tired and frustrated as I am seeing Arizona ranked at or near
the bottom on state rankings of education and well being of its children?
First Things First was supported by the voters of Arizona to give all
children the opportunity to start school healthy and ready to succeed.
To date, First Things First has allocated about
$300 million for educational and health services for children
in every part of Arizona. It is estimated that First Things First funded
services touch the lives of at least 350,000 of
Arizona's youngest children - that's more than half of the
children five and under in the state! Decisions about how to spend these
dollars are made by local citizen councils because they know what is
best for the youngest children in their community. First Things First
is funded exclusively through voter-protected tobacco tax revenues.
As such, it does not contribute to the state budget deficit
As
a child psychologist and the director of a non-profit organization that
is dedicated to making children's lives better, I know first hand how
important First Things First is to children across the state. It is
one of the few resources in Arizona that supports excellent early education,
which is a key to ensure that children grow up ready to learn and able
to achieve success in school. Our legislature has failed miserably to
understand the importance of funding early childhood education programs.
That is why the voters, in their wisdom, decided to use this tax on
cigarettes to help children. Don't let the legislature undo the significant
progress we are achieving - Please vote NO
.
| Dr.
Eric Schindler, President & CEO, Child & Family Resources,
Inc., Tucson |
|
Paid for by Child
& Family Resources, Inc. |
It's
time again to speak out as advocates for our children and protect their
future by voting NO on Prop 302.
Preparing
a child for Kindergarten begins the day they are born. That is what
the voters of AZ knew and stipulated with passage of Prop 203 in 2006.
Voters wanted to be sure that each child came to school healthy and
ready to succeed.
Now
the legislature wants to put an end to what voters have collectively
spoken for, with disregard for the will of the people,
forever .
When
First Things First was established, keeping money in reserve for a period
of time was done on purpose. It allowed the agency to spend within budget,
knowing how much revenue there was and how much the 31 local Regional
Councils could spend on programs. It was established outside of the
general fund so there wouldn't be competition for dollars between educational
and/or health programs. The intention was to enhance existing but limited
programs.
First
Things First has done everything within its legal authority to help
the legislature with the budget crisis by earlier providing emergency
funds of $48M. Then a loan was offered of $250M, interest free. At the
request of state political leadership the loan was increased to $300M,
again forgoing interest.
Legislative
commitments were secured from both Republicans and Democrats to pass
the loan option, but legislative leaders were unwilling to let the loan
offer come before their members. This could have been a win-win situation
for children, families and voters of Arizona.
But
now voters will have to decide if they want to eliminate
essentials such as quality child care, early literacy programs,
home and community parenting support services, oral health treatments
for infants and toddlers and helping teachers of young children enhance
their professional skills.
| Richard
Hartzell, Flagstaff |
Julianne
E. Hartzell, Flagstaff |
Pima
County Pediatric Society urges NO on 302.
Arizonans
recognize the importance of the first years of life, the relative lack
of services for Arizona's youngest citizens and the fact that Arizona
ranks at or near the bottom for child health and education in almost
any survey of States. So Arizona voters passed a new tobacco tax in
2006 specifically to establish The Early Child Health and Development
program, known as First Things First, or FTF. This program is dedicated
to enabling all Arizona children to enter school healthy and ready to
succeed by improving child health, parenting support and early childhood
education. 90% of funds go to programs and services directly helping
infants, children and their families. As pediatricians we strongly favored
establishment of this program. We are amazed at the creative programs
that have already been established by local Regions to address specific
needs in their areas, and by statewide programs available throughout
Arizona.
We
are appalled that the legislature, with Prop 302, now asks Arizonans
to destroy this program so legislators can take the children's money
for the General Fund. We are dismayed. Passage of Prop 302 would undo
the systems and supports that have been developed and stop dozens of
programs already established through FTF. It would waste the investment
in infrastructure and studies of regional needs that are guiding program
development. The clear message to young families, health care providers,
businesses and employers would be that Arizona has no regard for the
welfare of its youngest. Yet having a successful education system (birth
to University) is critical to the economic development and success of
our state.
Please
vote FOR Arizona's infants and young children, by voting NO on Proposition
302.
|
Rebecca Egbert,
MD, President, Pima County Pediatric Society, Tucson |
Mary Jo Ghory,
MD, Secretary, Pima County Pediatric Society, Tucson |
|
Paid for by Pima
County Pediatric Society |
United
Way of Yuma County Argument Against Proposition 302 Ballot Measure:
United
Way of Yuma County (UWYC) believes that public resources should be invested
in early childhood education and development to ensure our state's future.
Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved the First
Things First voter initiative in 2006 to make sustained and community-based
investments in Arizona's children. Proposition 302 would dismantle the
voter-approved commitment to investing in early childhood education
and development. UWYC is opposed to Proposition 302.
UWYC
has funded and partnered with programs proven to help children enter
school safe, healthy and ready to learn. Providing quality early learning
experiences in the home and in child care settings lays the foundation
for lifelong learning and success.
Voters
established a specific funding source in 2006 for these investments
in Arizona's children that would not be subject to conflicting priorities.
Proposition 302 would reverse this commitment and open these funds to
legislative appropriation. UWYC believes we should build on the foundation
established by the 2006 voter initiative and continue to dedicate these
resources to the education, development and health of Arizona's youngest
children.
Please
vote NO on Proposition 302.
| Madeleine
Coil, President & CEO, United Way of Yuma County, Yuma |
Joel
Schram, Board Chair, United Way of Yuma County, Yuma |
|
Paid for by United
Way of Yuma County, Inc. |
The
mission of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y)
is to provide leadership in developing/coordinating community-wide strategies
that can enhance the well-being of children and youth in Coconino County.
CCC&Y is dedicated to ensuring that all children and youth have
access to the resources and opportunities needed to reach their full
potential. Given this mission and goal, the CCC&Y is encouraging
voters to vote NO on Proposition 302
.
In
2006, voters supported the structure leading to First Things First,
in order to ensure that children come to school healthy and ready to
succeed. Since 2006, successful programs have been established at the
local level to provide services for infants and toddlers, including
quality child-care and preschool programs; parenting support services;
and health, mental health, and dental treatment. You, the voters, once
again, need to protect these essential programs
by voting NO on Proposition 302 .
Given
Arizona's recent budgetary problems, First Things First offered to the
State an interest-free loan of $300M. The legislative leadership turned
down the offer and chose to place before the electorate a proposition
that would dismantle the First Things First organization and take forever
the voter-approved, allocated funds. As approved by the voters in 2006,
these funds were not part of the general budget and were to be used
for children, ages 0-5, and their families. Stop
the leadership from taking away the public's vote by voting NO on Proposition
302.
One
divisive strategy of the legislative leadership is to imply that other
educational programs will be negatively impacted if First Things First
monies are not moved to the general fund. However, legislators have
provided no indication of how they will use the First Things First funds.
Prevent their attempts to divide and conquer by
voting NO on Proposition 302.
| David
McIntire, Board Treasurer, Coconino Coalition for Children &
Youth, Flagstaff |
Sonja
Burkhalter, Board President, Coconino Coalition for Children &
Youth, Flagstaff |
|
Paid for by Coconino
Coalition For Children & Youth |
Don't let the politicians steal our kid's money!
VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 302
A
few years ago Arizona citizens voted for First Things First to improve
the health care and education of Arizona children under the age of 5.
Now the politicians want that money that you set aside for our kids.
Don't let them have it!
First
Things First is a great program. Thousands of citizens in cities, small
towns and rural areas have worked hard to create programs for our youngest
and most vulnerable children. Now is NOT the time to allow a few politicians
to get their hands on money set aside for our kids. Vote No on Proposition
302. Who would you rather give control to - mothers, fathers, business
leaders and educators, or a few elected officials? Who do you think
will help our youngest children the most - teachers, parents and community
leaders or the Arizona legislature?
Arizona
has always cared about our future, our children in need. Don't give
up on our kids. Keep First Things First and help our children when they
need it most - NOW!
Vote NO on Proposition 302.
Thank
you.
VOTE
NO ON 302. PROTECT VITAL SERVICES FOR KIDS
Dear
Fellow Arizona Voter:
I
ask you to vote "NO" on 302. After years of the Arizona Legislature's
failure to prioritize the needs of children ages 0-5, Arizona voters
in 2006 created First Things First. Funded by taxes on tobacco products,
First Things First supports programs which promote the health and school-readiness
of Arizona's youngest citizens.
First
Things First saves taxpayers money by detecting developmental problems
in children, promoting healthy and safe child care programs, teaching
families about raising healthy and school-ready children, and laying
a solid foundation for success later in life. The mission of this program
is absolutely consistent with the priorities expressed by voters not
only in 2006, but again this past May, when Proposition 100 was passed
by a landslide, protecting education and health care.
After
years of reports showing Arizona ranking at the bottom for key indicators
for children's health and well-being, the services First Things First
supports are beginning to make a real difference. This program is working.
The
Arizona Legislature, having spent our state deeply into debt, wants
to break into our children's piggy banks like bandits in the night stealing
their medical check-ups, therapy services, dental examinations, and
visits to their child care program by a Child Care Health Consultant.
Our
children may not be able to vote, but you can. Tell our legislators
no. Vote No on 302.
Sincerely,
| Kathleen
M. Ford, RN-BC, Cortaro |
Here
are six reasons why you should vote "NO" on Prop. 302 this
November:
1.
First Things First was voted into law in 2006 by a significant majority
of Arizona voters. It is the will of the people.
2.
To date, FTF has allocated more than $284 million to early education
and health services across Arizona. This includes childcare scholarships,
professional development programs and scholarships for early childhood
teachers, improving the quality of childcare programs, parent education,
the distribution of food boxes, and improved healthcare coordination.
3.
First Things First provides funding for a system of local control and
decision-making. Your friends and neighbors - not the state legislature
- are the ones making decisions about what children in your town need
most.
4.
The majority of a child's brain development occurs in the first three
years of life. Programs funded by First Things First ensure that each
young child in Arizona, regardless of background, receives the very
best care and education. First Things First, therefore, invests in children
at the most critical time in their lives.
5.
High quality early care and education helps children to develop reading,
math and critical thinking skills, thereby preparing them to succeed
in school and in life.
6.
High quality early care and education is vital to this state's economy.
A highly-educated workforce means more high-tech jobs will be located
in Arizona. Workers will earn more money and invest in the local economy.
Additionally, remedial costs, such as special education and juvenile
justice, will go down.
Arizona
Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) is the leading
voice for early childhood professionals, ensuring all young children
have access to high quality early care and education. Please help us
put our children first and vote "NO" on Prop. 302.
| Naomi
Karp, President, AZ Association for the Education of Young Children,
Tucson |
Susanna
Castleberry, Secretary & Executive Board Member, AZ Association
for the Education of Young Children, Tucson |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Association for the Education of Young Children |
Oppose
Proposition 302 and Keep Voter Approved First Things First
Voters
expressed their overwhelming support of early childhood development
and child health in 2006 through the creation of First Things First
(FTF). Arizona citizens recognized how important the early years (0-5
years of age) of a child's life are and how the experiences during those
years can shape their future. In addition to being created by voters,
FTF program and funding decisions are guided by parents, educators,
and business leaders to meet the specific needs of their communities.
As education budgets are cut, it is even more important that our young
children receive the services necessary to enter school with a positive
foundation. FTF promotes quality child care and healthy children from
birth to age five. FTF also supports the coordination of systems that
provide health and social services to children and their families so
that services are provided effectively and parents are aware of their
availability. An investment in the early education and health of our
children will generate unlimited returns for all of Arizona in the years
and decades ahead. Arizona will gain healthier, productive citizens
who will enrich the state as a whole.
Protect
the voters' intentions, protect First Things First. OPPOSE Proposition
302.
The Voice of Public Health
| Jennifer
Bonnett, Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association,
Phoenix |
Dorothy
Hastings, Immediate Past President, Arizona Public Health Association,
Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Public Health Association |
The
early childhood community of Greater Flagstaff is committed to helping
children and families in northern Arizona achieve their full potential.
We believe public resources should be invested in early childhood development
and health, as well as programs that support family learning and commitment,
to ensure our state's future success. That is why we ask the voters
of Arizona to vote NO on Proposition 302
.
In
2006, Arizonans took a stand to support children and families by approving
the voter initiative that created First Things
First - an agency that makes sustained investments in Arizona's
youngest children and families. However, there is a ballot measure before
you - Proposition 302 - that would reverse our commitment to investing
in children and families by doing away with First
Things First and taking its funds. For this reason,
we ask you to join us in voting "NO" on Proposition 302.
First Things First has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on
thousands of children and families in our state. More than 10,000 children
across Arizona have received child care scholarships, allowing their
parents to keep their jobs and/or look for work while their child is
cared for in a safe and nurturing environment. The parents of 80,000
newborns can leave the hospital with information about healthy parenting
practices. Over 15,000 children have safer, more nurturing relationships
with their parents through programs like the Coconino County Health
Department's Healthy Families - one of many programs in northern Arizona
that receives funding from First Things First
to provide services and support for our region's most vulnerable
children and families.
Voting "NO" on Proposition 302 will help save
First Things First , ensuring that these types of investments in
children and families continue. You can make a
difference by joining us in voting "NO" on Proposition 302.
Paula Stefani,
Vice Chairperson, Alliance for Children's Early Success, Flagstaff |
Michelle Despain,
Secretary, Alliance for Children's Early Success, Flagstaff |
Ruth Ellen Suding,
Executive Director, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth,
Flagstaff |
Sonja Burkhalter,
President, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Flagstaff |
|
Roxana Cardiel
De Niz, Secretary, Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool, Flagstaff |
Karol Baird, Vice
President, Flagstaff Cooperative Preschool, Flagstaff |
Elizabeth Taylor,
President, Northern Arizona Association for the Education of Young
Children, Flagstaff |
Rene Hobbs, Past
President, Northern Arizona Association for the Education of Young
Children, Flagstaff |
|
Paid for by Northern
Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children |
Now
is the time for Arizonans to once again come together and stand for
children by voting NO on Proposition 302.
Our
kids deserve safe learning environments that foster creativity and critical
thinking. From birth to age five, a child's brain is rapidly growing.
It's during this window of opportunity we should do all we can to make
sure a child is healthy, developing normally, and ready to start school
with the tools necessary for success. First Things
First uses their resources to share critical developmental information
with parents and educators as well as to design, fund and incentivize
advancements in early care and learning.
Working
with hundreds of child and family proponents across the state,
First Things First is also able to provide outreach in the form
of free literature to new parents and vital services like food boxes,
diapers, and in-home care.
A
high-quality early education system provides benefits for children and
families of all income levels by ensuring high standards for quality
childcare; highly trained workers; safe adult-to-children ratios and
other common sense reforms that require resources. By requiring regional
partnerships, these services are customized in communities all over
Arizona. By region, Arizonans have agreed on the priority services that
bring the most benefit to families in their pocket of Arizona.
This
program is not funded with state budget dollars. It doesn't make sense
for the State to now take these dollars to pay for debt and deficits.
Often
we hear that services should only be paid for if a dedicated funding
source can be identified. That is the case with
First Things First . It is self-sustaining, not a burden on the
state budget, and provides research-based services to parents and kids
all over Arizona.
Please protect this important program by VOTING NO ON PROP 302
|
Megan Irwin, Acting
Executive Director, Stand for Children Arizona, Phoenix |
Rosalie Hirano,
Communications Coordinator, Stand for Children Arizona, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Stand
for Children Arizona |
United
Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) believes investment of public resources
in early childhood education and development is integral to our state's
future success. In 2006, Arizonans supported this position by approving
the voter initiative that created First Things
First - an agency that makes sustained investments in Arizona's
families and youngest children.
Approval
of Proposition 302 will reverse voter commitment to investing in early
childhood education and development by dismantling the voter-approved
commitment to investing in early childhood education and development.
For this reason, UWNA is opposed to Proposition 302.
By
passing the voter initiative in 2006, Arizonans helped create community-based
partnerships that are working to enhance the education and development
of our children and strengthen families. For example, UWNA, in partnership
with First Things First , has helped children
and families living with low incomes in the Coconino Region gain and
maintain access to high-quality child care by providing scholarships
to licensed and/or accredited child care centers and homes. UWNA and
First Things First have also helped child
care providers in the Coconino Region expand capacity and increase the
quality of care at their centers or homes to better serve children and
families living with low incomes.
The
establishment of First Things First created
a dedicated funding source specifically for these investments; however,
the passage of Proposition 302 will open the funds to legislative appropriation.
Rather than allowing the legislature to sweep the funds, we should build
upon the foundation established by First Things
First and honor voter intentions by continuing to dedicate these
funds to helping Arizona's young children and families achieve their
full potential.
Please
join us in voting NO on Proposition 302.
|
Kerry Blume, President
& CEO, United Way of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff |
Bill Calloway,
Board Chair, United Way of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff |
|
Paid for by The United
Way of Northern Arizona |
Nothing
is more important than our children. They are the future. The biggest
part of our state budget is spent educating them. The second largest
part of our budget is spent keeping them in prison when we fail.
Numerous
studies have shown that the most critical time in a child's development
is the first three years. Yet, this is where we historically have done
nothing. First Things First was passed by you, the voters, to provide
comprehensive healthcare and development programs for our young children
to give them the best possible start in life. This will insure that
they're healthy and prepared to start school and better able to succeed
once there.
This
program is funded by a special tax on tobacco products and takes no
money from the state general fund or the budget of any other program.
Our legislators, unwilling to do their jobs and balance the state budget,
have decided to do away with this important program that was passed
by an overwhelming majority of voters and steal the money for their
own purposes, leaving the tax in place.
The
Arizona National Organization for Women (NOW) urges you to support our
children by voting NO on Prop 302 .
|
Eric Ehst, Policy
Coordinator (President), Arizona National Organization for Women,
Phoenix |
Karen Van Hooft,
Political Action Coordinator (Vice President), Arizona National
Organization for Women, Scottsdale |
|
Paid for by Phoenix-Scottsdale
Chapter Arizona National Organization for Women |
The
Arizona Dental Association, representing more than 3,500 Arizona dentists
and dental allied team members, strongly urges voters to vote "No"
on Proposition 302. The loss of First Things First education and health
care funding for young children would damage our state's future generations.
Tooth
decay is the most common chronic disease in children. Statistics provided
by the Arizona Department of Health Services find the average Arizona
child has five teeth affected by decay, a rate three times higher than
the national average. More than one third of Arizona children (34%)
under the age of three have untreated dental decay, an alarming statistic.
By the time these children enter school, their untreated dental decay
leads to severe pain and discomfort, poor nutrition, impaired speech
development, inability to concentrate and reduced self esteem. Dental
pain is also the leading reason for school absences.
These
conditions are preventable, but only if parents and children receive
education to develop good oral hygiene habits, and children have access
to dental care in their first years of life.
First
Things First emphasizes quality and access to early childhood health
programs, along with initiatives to support preventive health screenings.
This is consistent with the Arizona Dental Association's goal to stem
the epidemic of dental disease among Arizona's children, as well as
dentistry's emphasis on prevention.
First
Things First, through both its statewide programs and regional partnerships,
has cited oral health care as an area for priority funding. Programs
already funded through First Things First have demonstrated the value
of education and prevention. The loss of this valuable source of funding
for children's oral health initiatives would be a significant setback
to vulnerable children throughout Arizona. Vote "No" on Proposition
302.
|
Mark B. Hughes,
DDS, President, Arizona Dental Association, Scottsdale |
Allison House,
DMD, Treasurer, Arizona Dental Association, Scottsdale |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Dental Association |
To
the Voters of Arizona:
The
very first patient admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center,
115 years ago, was a young child and we have been committed to helping
children in need ever since. We support the continuation of First Things
First and are opposed to the state legislature's attempt to divert funds
from this important program. First Things First has dedicated more than
$150 million annually into early childhood development and education.
If it is allowed to continue, it will support prenatal care, early medical
screenings and ensure appropriate healthcare for children so they are
better prepared for success in school and in life. It has already helped
thousands of children in Arizona and we want to see this program continue
to preserve the quality of life for children in years to come. Please
join us in supporting this effort by voting NO on proposition 302.
|
Suzanne Pfister,
Vice President, External Affairs, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical
Center, Phoenix |
John Peters, Vice
President & Chief Financial Officer, St. Joseph's Hospital
and Medical Center, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by St. Joseph's
Hospital and Medical Center |
Proposition
302 would eliminate the voter approved and tobacco tax funded First
Things First program and transfer all current and future funds to the
general fund virtually overnight. If approved, all the First Things
First services to children and their families will terminate on December
1st.
The
language of the ballot initiative that states "these monies ...shall
be appropriated for health and human services for children" is
deceptive. This initiative contains absolutely no assurance that current
general fund spending for children will be maintained. In fact, the
legislature has already made cuts and built in the First Things First
funds in as backfill for state agency reductions, thus assuring a net
loss of children's services. If First Things First funds are transferred,
nothing prevents even more cuts to services for children next year.
Dr.
James Heckman, Distinguished Professor and Nobel Prize winner in Economics,
has proven that there are great economic gains to be had by investing
in early childhood development. He found that prevention through early
childhood development is more cost-effective than remediation and that
economic returns come from investments in early childhood development.
Providing resources for children pays dividends for society as a whole
by providing better future outcomes in economic productivity. As private
businesses and non-profits that provide early care and learning services
to young children throughout Arizona, we observe daily the value of
investments in children's early years.
The
Arizona Child Care Association urges all Arizonans who do not want further
cuts to children's' services and want to continue investments to vote
NO on Proposition 302. Let's keep a dedicated funding stream for children,
early education, and our future.
|
Bruce Liggett,
Executive Director, Arizona Child Care Association, Phoenix |
Don DeWitt, Past
President & Secretary, Arizona Child Care Association, Phoenix |
Robert Orsi, Treasurer,
Arizona
Child Care Association, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Arizona
Child Care Association |
The
Protecting Arizona's Family Coalition and the PAFCO Education Fund strongly
oppose the Prop 302 - the repeal of Early Childhood Development and
Health Programs, called First Things First.
We
oppose Prop 302 and the redirection of these dedicated funds for investments
in early childhood education and health development to the state general
fund for general use by the Legislature. There is no guarantee that
the Legislature will not use these funds to supplant current funding
for children's' program, funding which is already inadequate.
The
will of the voters that established the "First Things First"
program must be respected. The First Things First programs represent
a sound and dedicated economic investment in the future of the state's
children.
First
Things First early childhood programs are important for the education
and development of young children and their families. These current
investments will pay off for generations in Arizona and must be protected.
First Things First represents a unique investment strategy by Arizona's
citizens for their children and families and must be protected.
PAFCO
strongly opposes Prop 302 and urges voters to vote "no" to
preserve First Things First for the good of Arizona's children and families.
|
Timothy J. Schmaltz,
CEO, PAFCO Education Fund & PAFCO, Phoenix |
Susan Wilkins,
Chair, PAFCO Education Fund, Phoenix |
Bruce Liggett,
Chair, PAFCO, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Schmaltz
& Associates |
Dear
Voter:
Proposition
302 is wrong for Arizona. It flies in the face of the voters' will and
common sense. If there is one thing we can all agree on, no matter our
political party, no matter our hometown, no matter our economic status,
it is that Arizona's children deserve a quality start in life.
A NO VOTE ON 302 takes a stand for children. It reaffirms the
message sent by voters with the passage of Prop 100 in May, and sends
a strong message about the value of First Things First, created by voters
just four years ago. First Things First has touched every community
in our state and has made our entire educational system stronger by
strategically investing resources to ensure children begin school ready
to succeed. Ask anyone who works in the education system: They will
tell you the best way to combat illiteracy, behavioral and health issues
is to stop problems before they have a chance to take root.
First
Things First understands the dire need for early childhood spending.
In a state that has cut more than $2.2 billion in services over the
past year, First Things First invests in our children, making sure they
have access to doctors, better teachers and specialized services. It
assists parents, as well, making sure they have high quality child care
available to them while they work or go to school. Over the last four
years, First Things First has helped more than 300,000 young Arizonans.
Please
continue to give our children the fair chance they deserve. Vote No
on 302.
Thank
you,
|
Susan Wilkins,
Executive Director, Association for Supportive Child Care, Tempe |
Mark C. Meschino,
Treasurer, Board of Directors, Association for Supportive Child
Care, Tempe |
|
Paid for by Association
For Supportive Child Care |
With
more than 6,000 members - fire fighters and EMS professionals all across
the state of Arizona - the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona always
has the best interests of our state firmly in mind. That's why the PFFA
supported Proposition 100, which protected core needs like education
for our children, and why we stand steadfastly against Proposition 302,
which if passed will rob our kids of much-needed funding and early child
development services.
As
firefighters, we see life up close, in neighborhoods, cities and towns
all across the state. We know what it's like to respond to an alarm,
and what it's like when children suffer. Prop 302 is an alarm like that,
a shrill reminder that we need to choose what kind of state we want
live in. It must be defeated or children will in fact suffer.
If
302 fails, Arizona can be the sort of state that cares for its youngest
citizens, that gives parents vital information and resources, and helps
send kids to school ready to succeed. That follows the will of voters,
who created First Things First just four short years ago, to make childhood
in this state a positive experience. That mandate was echoed a few weeks
ago, with the landslide passage of Prop 100.
If
302 passes, Arizona will take a step backward. Again, we'll leave children
shortchanged, and again those without a voice will suffer because of
the failure of our Legislature. We cannot allow this to happen. It's
wrong economically and morally, wrong politically and practically.
Join
the PFFA and vote NO ON 302. Thank you.
|
Tim Hill, President,
Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, Phoenix |
Bryan Jeffries,
Executive VP, Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Professional
Fire Fighters of Arizona |
VOTE
NO ON 302. PROTECT VITAL SERVICES FOR KIDS
Dear
Fellow Arizona Voter:
We
ask you to vote "NO" on 302. We must not betray our children
and forsake our future. Children should not have to bear the brunt of
the bad choices made by the irresponsible adults in the Arizona Legislature.
Since
2006, when it was created by voters, First Things First has been funded
successfully by taxes on tobacco products. It has not been a drain on
the state budget. Instead, First Things First saves taxpayers money
by detecting developmental problems in children, providing quality early
education, teaching families about health, and laying a solid foundation
for success later in life. The mission of this program is absolutely
consistent with the priorities expressed by the voters, not only in
2006, but again this past May, when Proposition 100 was passed by a
landslide, protecting education and health care. We, the voters of Arizona,
have already decided twice that this is important for our children and
our state. Now, once again, the legislature is trying to subvert our
decision.
Numerous
studies show children provided quality education and comprehensive health
care stay in school and are less likely to commit crimes. Because of
the services First Things First provides, we can be confident Arizona's
youngest citizens will grow into productive members of society and help
Arizona become even more prosperous in the future.
This
program is working. We cannot let the Legislature have its way, stealing
the funding literally out of the hands of children.
We
urge you to please vote "NO" on 302.
Sincerely,
|
Stan Furman, Phoenix |
Gloria Furman,
Phoenix |
Dear
Fellow Arizona Voter:
A NO VOTE on 302 takes a stand for children--and Arizona's future.
Since
2006 when it was created by voters, First Things First has been funded
successfully by taxes on tobacco products. It has not been a drain on
the state budget. Instead, First Things First saves taxpayers money
by detecting and working with families to fix developmental problems
in children, providing quality early education, teaching families about
health, and laying a solid foundation for each child's success later
in life. First Things First has touched every community in our state--
more than 330,000 young Arizonans-- and made our K-12 education system
stronger by strategically investing resources to ensure our kids begin
school ready to succeed. Ask anyone who works in the education system:
They'll tell you the best way to combat illiteracy, behavioral issues,
and child health problems is to stop the problems before they have a
chance to take root. Focusing on children from birth to 5, helps to
ensure that our kids will grow into productive members of society and
help Arizona become even more prosperous in the future.
Please
continue to invest in Arizona's children, our future.
Vote No on 302 . Because of First Things First, Arizona's children
begin school healthy and ready to learn and succeed in life.
|
Mary G. Warren,
PhD, IMH-E®(IV), Coordinator, Never Shake A Baby Arizona,
Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, Tempe |
Prop 302 Hurts Education in Arizona
In
Arizona, educating our children actually begins outside the classroom,
by fighting to preserve the resources necessary to do our jobs. That's
why voters and the Arizona School Boards Association strongly supported
Proposition 100, which will help protect funding for K-12 education,
and why we're urging you to VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION
302 , which supports the continued preparation of children
as they enter our public schools.
In
2006, Arizona's voters wisely created First Things First. The voters
recognized what all of us in education experience every day: The best
way to combat illiteracy, behavior problems and unhealthy childhood
environments is to fight those problems before they take root. First
Things First has been extremely helpful to Arizona students and educators,
annually funneling $150 million in tobacco tax funds into education
and health care for children up to age 5. Having kids begin school healthy
and ready to learn has primed the pump for educational success in every
Arizona community.
Educators,
brain researchers, pediatricians and parents agree: Investing in quality
childhood environments for our children helps ensure success of our
students and, therefore, our state.
We
simply must defeat Prop 302. We must protect and keep whole programs
and funding critical to education and to our children's success. We
cannot allow a shell game with this revenue, snatching it from children
with one hand and shoveling it over to the General Fund with the other.
Please
vote NO ON 302 and protect education
in Arizona.
|
Debbie King, President,
Arizona School Boards Association, Board Member, Vail Unified
School District, Tucson |
Panfilo H. Contreras,
Executive Director, Arizona School Boards Association, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Arizona
School Boards Association, Inc. |
"NO
ON 302: PROTECT EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES"
In
more than 30 years as a public servant helping four governors to lead
in Arizona, no time, position or effort meant more to me than the work
I did helping to establish First Things First. As the program's inaugural
executive director, I saw up close how much these critical early childhood
development and education services are needed to help so many young
children all across Arizona get the right start in life.
That's
why I believe all of us who value children and education in Arizona
must vote NO ON 302.
For
many children, the help they get from First Things First in the child
care, Head Start or other classroom, or in a medical setting may well
be the most positive childhood experience they have, and potentially
the difference between beginning school ready to succeed or starting
out already behind. Why our Legislature wants to end this program and
seize its funding isn't necessarily beyond me - I understand these are
hard times for our state - but, regardless, this decision strikes me
as short-sighted and a slap in the face to voters who approved this
vital program in 2006.
Just
as the voters did with Proposition 100 in May, we must again send a
clear message: That we value education in Arizona, that our children
matter and that we are willing to invest today to create the smart,
versatile and skilled workforce our state will need to succeed tomorrow.
Please
join me in protecting the core services our youngest children need.
VOTE NO ON 302 and let our Legislature know that sacrificing our children's
future by balancing the budget on their backs is absolutely unacceptable.
|
J. Elliott Hibbs,
Former Executive Director, First Things First, Chandler |
Dear
Fellow Voter,
Our
children's earliest years shape their lifelong learning and success.
But the success of thousands of Arizona's children is threatened unless
we vote NO on 302.
For
22 years, Children's Action Alliance has worked with lawmakers, community
leaders, parents and voters to be a voice for children statewide...and
it's clear to us that Arizonans have always made children's health,
education, and security a top priority. Just four years ago, Arizonans
created First Things First so hundreds of thousands of children and
their families would have better learning environments, higher quality
childcare, access to specialized therapists, and mentoring for parents.
Through First Things First, we all contribute to giving young children
the care, learning and safety they need to grow up healthy and strong.
With
this proposition, politicians are trying to dismantle the success we've
built for kids and families through First Things First. The lawmakers
who put this on the ballot want to repeal First Things First so they
can take these tobacco tax dollars away from young children and families
and use them for something else. It is clear that children will come
out the losers if those politicians get their way. This move is an insult
to us as voters and a real threat to our children and their future success.
Please
join Children's Action Alliance in standing together for children (again!)
by voting NO on 302.
Thank
you,
|
Christine Nowaczyk,
Chair, Board of Directors, Children's Action Alliance, Phoenix |
Dana Wolfe Naimark,
President & CEO, Children's Action Alliance, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Children's
Action Alliance |
Dear
Voters,
Every
child deserves a good start in life. That's one thing on which Arizona
voters have always agreed.
Proposition
302 will take funds away from First Things First programs that are giving
our youngest children (birth to 5) their best chance at success in school
and in life.
Thanks
to voter foresight and the First Things First programs, 330,000 children
who may not have had a fair chance are now entering kindergarten healthy
and with the critical early literacy skills they need to learn to read
and succeed. (Voters initiated a tobacco tax increase four years ago
to fund First Things First early childhood development services.)
The
First Things First programs are providing a quality start in children's
lives before they are at risk of getting to school unprepared, falling
behind, failing, dropping out, and possibly perpetuating a life of poverty
and crime.
Don't
let our legislators undermine what we the voters have already decided.
If we start early and deal with the core risk--illiteracy--we won't
need to keep spending $3.5 billion in tax money annually on welfare,
Medicaid, and crime.
Improving
literacy in our communities is good for everyone. It is the single best
way to ensure a prosperous economy. With First Things First, Arizona
voters took a stand to ensure a better life for all of us. Let's keep
it that way.
Vote
NO on 302!
Best
regards,
|
Mary Jan Bancroft,
Ph.D, Founder and Executive Director, Make Way For Books, Tucson |
Paul D. Bancroft,
Esq., Board of Directors, Make Way For Books, Tucson |
|
Paid for by Make
Way For Books |
Dear
Voter:
Arizona's
Children Association works with children and families in every county
in the state. We provide workshops to help parents understand how their
babies' brains are developing. We provide parenting classes. We support
the health needs of children and families through our activities at
Golden Gate Community Center.
We
also counsel teens that are addicted to drugs and work with families
whose children are in crisis. We see first hand, every day, that it
is most effective and least expensive to reach out to children and parents
in the early years. When children don't get what they need to succeed
in the earliest years of their lives, they may never become the well
rounded and successful members of society we hope for.
Studies
by the Zero to Three Policy Center show that high-quality, research-based
interventions for at risk infants and toddlers such as those provided
by First Things First, not only benefit individual children but would
also benefit Arizona in ways that far exceed the cost of the programs.
Cost-benefit analyses conducted by numerous economists clearly demonstrate
that for every dollar invested in early childhood programs, savings
of $3.78 to $17.07 can be expected. This is because early interventions
for young at-risk children help keep children in school, improve the
quality of the workforce, help schools to be more productive, and reduce
crime, teenage pregnancy and dependence on welfare.
Arizona voters have already approved First Things First - an initiative
that uses a tax on tobacco products to fund early childhood development
and education. Now, our state legislature is attempting to seize the
revenues from First Things First for their own spending.
Tell
our legislature that we had it right the first time. Vote NO on 302.
|
Betsy Apking, Secretary
of the Board of Directors, Arizona's Children Association, Tucson |
Thomas S. Knox,
Chair-Elect of the Board of Directors, Arizona's Children Association,
Tucson |
|
Paid for by Arizona's
Children Association |
A "NO" VOTE ON 302 IS AN INVESTMENT IN ARIZONA'S YOUNGEST
CHILDREN AND OUR STATE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As
a foundation dedicated to the postsecondary success of all Arizonans,
Helios Education Foundation urges Arizonans to VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION
302.
In
2006, Arizona voters approved a ballot initiative, using tobacco-tax
generated funds that would be one of the best investments in the state's
long-term economic success - the development of a statewide system dedicated
to the healthy development of Arizona's children ages birth to five.
In
less than five years, First Things First, a statewide system is well
underway and has invested over $250 million in community-based early
education and health services that will help Arizona's children arrive
at kindergarten ready to succeed. In addition, more Arizonans are actively
engaged through First Things First regional councils in driving local
improvements to early childhood initiatives. With 90% of a child's brain
development occurring by age 3, more parents and grandparents understand
the critical importance of quality early childhood programs in setting
the foundation for long-term success in school and life.
By
preserving this dedicated source of funding for quality early childhood
health and development programs, Arizona and its citizens are sure to
reap long-term economic rewards. Early childhood education is proven
to save taxpayers up to $16 for every dollar invested by reducing the
need for remedial education, juvenile corrections and other public support
services.
The
redirection of these tobacco-tax generated funds to the general fund
and the elimination of First Things First - Arizona's first and only
statewide early childhood health and development system - is shortsighted
and will set our state back for generations. Even in tough economic
times, we must stand firm in our decision to invest now. VOTE NO ON
PROPOSITION 302.
|
Vince Roig, Chairman,
Helios Education Foundation, Phoenix |
Paul J. Luna, President
& CEO, Helios Education Foundation, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Helios
Education Foundation |
VOTE NO ON 302 TO PROTECT ARIZONA'S FUTURE AND OUR YOUNGEST CHILDREN
Expect
More Arizona encourages Arizona voters to VOTE "NO" on PROPOSITION
302. The elimination of this dedicated stream of funding for early childhood
health and development programs across our state and the elimination
of First Things First will have a profoundly negative impact on the
lives of Arizona's youngest children - ages birth to five.
Research
shows children exposed to quality early childhood opportunities are
more likely to enter kindergarten ready to succeed, read at grade level
by 3rd grade and graduate from high school. This voter-approved initiative
is grounded in the research-proven belief that investing in Arizona's
children during the earliest years prevents long-term societal costs
in the form of remedial education, juvenile justice programs and other
taxpayer-funded support services.
Expect
More Arizona is a movement of Arizonans working to strengthen the entire
education continuum - from birth through career. The continued investment
of funds dedicated to early childhood health and development is critical
to increasing the academic performance of students in K-12 and postsecondary
education. It lays the foundation for the LONG-TERM success of Arizona's
children, contributing to our economy and overall quality of life.
The
statewide system built over the past four years dedicated to early childhood
health and development is good for Arizona and its citizens. The dollars
raised through the 80-cent tobacco-tax are being invested in outcome-based
programs and initiatives statewide that better prepare all children
to succeed. Our progress as a state cannot be derailed by imprudent
budget decisions.
Protect
Arizona's future by continuing to invest in our youngest children -
VOTE "NO" on PROPOSITION 302.
|
Paul J. Luna, Chairman,
Expect More Arizona PAC, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Expect
More Arizona - Vote 4 Education Yes on 100 & Protect Early Childhood
Health/Development Funds |
ARGUMENT
AGAINST Proposition 302
In
November 2006, Arizona voters passed a citizen's initiative, that funds
quality early childhood development and health programs. It is a voter
protected initiative, known as First Things First (FTF), and has a dedicated
funding stream that does not encumber the state general fund and provides
resources for children 0 - 5 years old. The accountability structure
ensures that those investments work and deliver on the promises FTF
made to voters, families, and children. Repealing this citizen's initiative
would eliminate the funding that is dedicated to improving the health
and development of children ages birth to five. Therefore the Arizona
Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly encourages a
NO vote on Proposition 302.
|
Arturo Gonzalez,
MD, President, AZ Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics,
Phoenix |
Sue Braga, Ex Officio/Executive
Director, AZ Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by American Academy of Pediatrics Arizona |
Dr.
Peggy Stemmler and Dr. Patrick Liu - Argument Against Proposition 302
Ballot Measure:
From
a pediatric and a medical science prospective, the argument to vote
NO on Proposition 302 is overwhelming. The science of early childhood
tells us that the most rapid period of brain development occurs between
birth and age 3. By age 3, a child's brain has formed more than 1,000
trillion connections - or double the number grown adults have.
We
also know that different regions of the cerebral cortex (the brain center
that processes attention, thought and language) grow when exposed to
stimulating conditions. Research bears out that an enriched environment
can boost the number of nerve connections that children's brains form.
In
laymen's terms, that means that a healthy, successful child isn't created
once school starts. Health and success begin
the moment a child leaves the womb .
That's
why First Things First made perfect sense when voters created this comprehensive
program to direct tobacco-tax-funded resources at Arizona's youngest
and neediest children - and why keeping these core services flowing
by defeating Prop 302 makes sense today.
As
doctors, we see children and families in need all too often, and we
understand the critical importance of applying government's limited,
taxpayer-funded resources in a measured, targeted way. First Things
First does exactly that. It should not end - and Proposition 302 should
not pass.
Join
us, please, in protecting children in reasserting Arizona's priorities
to a state Legislature that appears to have forgotten its mandate from
the voters - do right by our kids.
VOTE
NO ON PROPOSITION 302. Thank you.
|
Dr. Peggy Stemmler,
MD, MBA, Pediatrician, Phoenix |
Dr. Patrick Liu,
MD, Radiologist, Phoenix |
Proposition
302 is wrong for Arizona. It flies in the face of the voters' will and
common sense. If there's one thing we can all agree on, no matter our
political party, no matter our hometown, no matter our economic status,
it's that Arizona's children deserve a quality start in life.
A NO VOTE ON 302 takes a stand for children. It reaffirms the
message sent by voters with the passage of Prop 100 in May, and sends
a strong message about the value of First Things First, created by voters
just four years ago. First Things First has touched every community
in our state and made our K-12 education system stronger by strategically
investing resources to ensure our kids begin school ready to learn.
Ask anyone who works in the education system: They'll tell you the best
way to combat illiteracy, behavioral issues, and child health problems
is to stop the problems before they have a chance to take root.
First
Things First understands the dire need for early childhood spending.
In a state that has cut more than $2.2 billion in services over the
past year, it invests in our kids, making sure they get access to doctors,
better teachers and specialized therapists. It invests in parents, too,
making sure they have the childcare information and help they need.
Over the last four years, First Things First has helped more than 300,000
young Arizonans.
Please
help continue to give our kids the fair chance they deserve. Vote No
on 302.
Dear
Voter:
As
a parent, educator and advocate for Arizona's children, I want to take
an opportunity to say please VOTE NO
ON 302 . The Legislature's taking of this money is a step backward
for Arizona and flies in the face of what we voters hold as our highest
priority: Protecting education and health
care for our children.
As
a mother, I remember the gnawing worry that my children wouldn't "be
okay." That's why I worked so hard in 2006 to get First Things
First passed and why I cheered the passage of Prop 100 in May. These
measures' central mission is one we all share:
Every Arizona child should begin school healthy and ready to succeed
.
First
Things First has done exactly that, something I've seen firsthand as
a board member. This statewide program, locally controlled, led by councils
of volunteers, has made use of voter-created tobacco taxes to help more
than 330,000 children from birth to age 5. Families have been assured
of medical check-ups for their babies, educational resources, even basic
necessities like food and diapers. These core services have touched
every corner of Arizona.
Unfortunately,
these vital services are in jeopardy. The success and funding of First
Things First has garnered the attention and envy of our Legislature.
The same lawmakers we elected to uphold our State's best interests now
want to take these funds out from under our children. Mind you, they
don't want to end the tax, they just want to redirect it away from Arizona's
children.
Because
I love this state like I love my children, I cannot allow this to happen;
nor should you. I urge all of you who love Arizona to vote
No on 302.
|
Nadine Mathis Basha,
Campaign Chair, Save First Things First, Chandler |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Dear
Voter:
We
now know that early educational development is the most critical factor
to life success. This fact is acute for those children who for whatever
reason cannot experience focused development in their own environment
alone. If we want to have better social outcomes and reduced costs for
crime and drug abuse every dollar we spend as a community aimed at early
childhood education will reduce those later costly public expenditures.
Look at the budget of the state.....costs of prisons now increase faster
than nearly all else. In this case the people have already spoken by
supporting First Things First. That support was wise and that wisdom
should be continued.
|
Michael M. Crow,
Paradise Valley |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Dear
Voter: Here we are again, back where we were in 2006 - arguing about
the wisdom of something that couldn't be more obvious. I'll tell you
again what I said back then. In more than 50 years serving the State
of Arizona, including three years as your Governor,
I have not encountered a proposal as smart or as overdue as First Things
First .
I
was passionate about getting this vital safety net for children passed
in 2006. And I'm equally passionate about saving it by defeating Proposition
302 this Election Day. Let me be crystal clear:
We
must vote "NO" on 302. We must continue to give our youngest
children and their families tools to ensure that our kids are healthy
strong and well cared for during their earliest years of life. We must
make it possible for these children to begin school healthy and ready
to achieve to their fullest potential. Again, let me repeat exactly
what I said in 2006: Nobel Prize winners, economists and child development
experts all agree that this is one of the smartest things a state can
do to strengthen its families and its economy alike.
If
it's good enough for those experts, it's good enough for me.
That
said I know these are tough times for Arizona. I understand our Legislature
needs revenue, but a short-sighted theft from vital services for youngsters
is exactly the penny-wise, pound-foolish non-solution we must avoid.
The voters created a tobacco tax to help children and it's done exactly
that.
Don't
let politicians shortchange kids who don't have a say in their future.
Join me in voting No on 302 and protecting core services for our children.
|
Rose Mofford, Governor,
1988-1991, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
As
a lifelong resident, a businessman and a community advocate who deeply
cares about our State and its children, I'm urging you to vote No on
302. We must protect positive childhood experiences for our kids, and
help them start school ready to learn and prosper.
Quality
education for all is of utmost importance to me. For the past 30 years,
I have worked to improve Arizona's education system. I have served on
the Chandler School Board, the State Board of Education and the Arizona
Board of Regents. As a businessman, I understand that a strong education
system means a strong economy and a prosperous state. We helped lay
a foundation for a better Arizona in 2006 with the passage of First
Things First, which created an 80-cent-a-pack tobacco tax to ensure
that all children have a fair start and that they are ready for success.
As
I said four years ago, studies show that the best place for the public
to invest tax dollars is in early childhood development programs. Economists
tell us that by investing in early childhood development and health
programs, we will increase the number of successful students, reduce
dropout rates, welfare families, and subsequently, the crime rate.
We
must continue to invest our money in First Things First. In just a few
years, it's proven successful with its outcomes and accountability.
We must say NO to the politicians who have their eye on this tobacco
tax revenue for use to pay bills they created but refused to face. We
cannot balance our state budget on the backs of Arizona's youngest children.
It's morally wrong and demands a strong response.
Please
join me and vote "No" on 302.
|
Eddie Basha, Chandler |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
As
a businessperson, I know Arizona needs an educated workforce to compete
in the 21st century. As chairman of the board of First Things First,
I know how much investment in early childhood development creates educational
success all over Arizona. First Things First is a rare entity in government
... something that really works. That's why we must defeat Proposition
302.
I
understand why the Legislature wants to abolish First Things First and
the core services we provide to children - they want to take our funding.
It's that simple. With an annual revenue stream of $150 million, we're
an attractive target. That theft is not only sad, but it absolutely
defies the will of the people. Arizona's voters in 2006 - tired of the
Legislature's failure to fund services for young children - created
a special tax on tobacco to pay for early childhood development. First
Things First has efficiently and effectively served kids age 5 and under,
and their families, all over the state.
So
far we've helped:
- 330,000
children connect to doctors for much-needed care.
- 66,000
children learn in higher-quality childcare environments.
- 70,000
families receive the Arizona Parent Kit with information to help them
parent newborns.
- Thousands
of families in need, who have benefitted from more than 2 million
pounds of emergency food boxes and more than 75,000 diapers and baby
products.
For
years, the Arizona Legislature has failed our youngest children, resulting
in diminished educational achievement, high drop rates and a ready workforce
that's too thin for the robust economy Arizona must have. Prop 302 is
another legislative failure ... one we must all help defeat.
Vote
No On 302. Help protect Arizona's youngest children.
|
Steven W. Lynn,
Vice President, UniSource Energy & Tucson Electric Power,
Chair, First Things First Board of Directors, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
When
you live 94 years, serve as a prosecutor, a Superior Court Judge and
as your state's Governor - and have the good fortune to travel the world
extensively - you experience enough to gain some certainty about people.
I am sure that an educated mind coupled with perseverance is the key
to achievement, and that those two qualities are not the result of luck.
They begin in childhood, with engaged, informed parents and with access
to the necessities that every youngster needs: nutritious meals, health
services, adults who care and quality learning environments.
In
Arizona, sadly, those things have for too long been too hard to come
by. That's why I support First Things First and why I'm urging you strongly
to vote No on Proposition 302.
Our
state has done many things well, but showing our dedication to child
learners has never been one of them. In 2006, voters made a strong push
to change that, setting aside $150 million annually in tobacco taxes
to be deployed directly to children under the age of 6. That message
struck a deep chord with me - I credit my own education with every bit
of my success - and I was proud again this past May, when those same
voters said yes to Proposition 100, again to uplift key service for
our kids. To me, Proposition 302 is a step backward, a return to an
Arizona that does less than we should for our children and less than
we should to secure our state's future success.
I
hope Arizona continues to move ahead. I hope we continue to protect
out children from the day they're born. I hope you vote No on Proposition
302.
|
Raul Castro, Governor,
1975-1977, Nogales |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
For
40 years, I've had the privilege of serving Arizona statewide. I've
been the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern
Arizona. I served on the Arizona Board of Regents, hospital boards and
worked as a court mediator. I've seen what our taking care of children
in childhood means to this state.
That's
why I believe voting NO ON 302 is a must. We must defeat 302 and preserve
First Things First, a program that is the best chance we have to make
a difference in the lives of children.
Not
only does First Things First address the importance of early education
and healthcare for kids aged 0-5, it empowers new parents with the tools
needed to prepare for this next chapter of life. It is crucial that
each child's life begins with a solid foundation. By the age 3, more
than 85% of a child's core brain structure is formed, making nurturing
interaction with parents and/or caregivers essential to positive growth
and development. This is why early childhood development programs need
to be carefully planned and continually supported.
This
investment also makes sense financially: According to the Perry Pre-School
Longitudinal Study, every $1 invested in quality early care and education
saves more than $17 in future costs associated with remedial education,
delinquent behavior and public support services. Eighty-one cents of
every dollar from First Things First is used at the local level to provide
support to Arizona's families and ensure our state's children get off
to a healthy start once they begin school.
That
is a wise investment for both our short and long-term success as a state.
That is why we need to Save First Things First and vote
No on 302.
|
Kay McKay, Flagstaff |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Every
dollar invested in a child is a dollar invested not just in an individual,
but in our state as a whole ... our work force, our safety and our future.
Carefully investing those dollars where they are most needed means striking
a balance between short-term expedience and long-term vision.
That
balance and that vision is exactly what Arizona's voters had in mind
when they voted yes to Proposition 100 this past May 18th and when they
voted to establish First Things First in the fall of 2006. Both times,
the voters knew what we were voting for - protecting the health and
education of our children. Both times, we sent a clear message, one
the state Legislature would do well to heed:
We
want to live in a state that does right by its children. A state where
a 6.8 percent high school dropout rate is not good enough; where a 73.4
percent four-year graduation rate is cause for redoubled efforts to
engage kids early; where ranking 43rd nationally on Education Week's
overall "chance-for-success" index is met with not indifference,
but with determination to do better.
We
can express that determination with one swipe of the pen ... by voting
NO ON 302.
Prop
302 is a step backwards for Arizona, yet another example of the Legislature
failing children and failing to see the value of tomorrow beyond the
knee-jerk reactions of today.
Let's
send a clear message AGAIN. Vote No on 302 and protect our children.
|
Melanie McClintock,
Executive Director, Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence,
Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
The
Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC)
advocates "NO" on PROP 302
. Arizona needs an infrastructure for a strong workforce and increased
quality of life. To achieve increased learning, youngsters must "hit
the road, running" in kindergarten to assure reading on grade level
by third grade. If they don't, a new Arizona law will require holding
third-graders back. First Things First (FTF) ensures Arizona's youngest
children begin school healthy and ready to learn, the very foundation
for increasing our chances for improving our economy. Eliminating FTF
takes away a key tool educators need to ensure success for every child
by third grade.
Funded
by a tax on tobacco products, local, informed citizens determine how
FTF money is spent in their community. FTF is no cost to the state.
Conversely, legislators rejected an interest-free, $300 million loan
offer this past session - a compromise that would have helped the state
budget AND keep FTF. Instead, legislators want to end the program voters
approved in 2006 - but keep the tax - directing the use of the money.
FTF
is an investment in our children's future. It strategically invests
to ensure kids begin school ready to learn, get access to doctors, better
teachers and specialized therapists. It invests in parents, too, by
providing information and help they may need.
FTF
saves taxpayers money by detecting developmental problems in children,
providing quality early education, teaching families about health, and
laying a solid foundation for success later in life in order to combat
illiteracy, behavioral issues, and child health problems and stop problems
before they have a chance to take root.
|
Dave Howell, Board
President, Arizona Business & Education Coalition, Phoenix |
Susan Carlson,
Executive Director, Arizona Business & Education Coalition,
Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
I
have a doctorate in Educational Psychology and Child Development, and
I can say with certainty that a successful child requires an engaging,
cognitively stimulating set of childhood experiences. The science of
human growth and development tells us high-quality healthcare and adequate
nutrition before and after birth are fundamental to promoting healthy
development.
As
the Dean of the University of Arizona College of Education, I can attest
to First Things First's lead role in doing all the above. Knowing that,
I believe a NO VOTE ON PROPOSITION 302
is essential for Arizona's children and our future success.
Since
its creation by voters via an 80-cent-a-pack tax on tobacco products
in 2006, First Things First has delivered vital early childhood resources,
from well care to child care, food to diapers, all over our state. And,
rather than simply spending funds with no eye toward return on investment,
First Things First stands dedicated to careful measurement of success
and accountability standards.
As
you read this, I am leading a longitudinal study unlike any research
project ever attempted by a state. We're tracking participants in First
Things First programs across 20 years. This scientific evaluation will
not only ensure that First Things First continues to work, but it will
serve as a resource and information hub for Arizona families and children,
early childhood service providers, educators, researchers, and the early
childhood community nationally and internationally.
The
bottom line: Eliminating these core services for children between birth
and age 5 would be short-sighted and a shameful waste of the investment
made thus far. It will set Arizona back ... and drastically impact the
one-half of our state's children who live in or near poverty levels.
Vote
no on 302 and protect Arizona's children.
|
Dr. Ronald Marx,
UA College of Education, Tucson |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Choosing
a childcare provider is one of the most important decisions parents
and families make. By voting "no" on 302 you're helping to
ensure all Arizona's children continue to have the opportunity for high-quality
childcare, allowing them to do better in school and develop better language
and social skills.
As
child care center owner and director and a member of the First Things
First all-volunteer Central Pima Council, I have come to understand
a sobering fact of life: In our state, more than half of the children
under six years old live in families where all the adults work, making
quality child care an educational and economic necessity.
First
Things First created Quality First to ensure that all Arizona children
have access to the quality early learning opportunities that will help
them arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed. Many centers in our area
benefit from Quality First through expert coaching, literacy support,
nurse consultation and enhancement materials and equipment.
In
addition, hundreds of early childhood educators are now attending colleges
throughout Arizona, learning to be more effective teachers and earning
certificates and degrees - paid for by themselves and in combination
with First Things First and their child care center employer.
Furthermore,
the local Central Pima FTF council provided funding to provide child
care for over 1000 children in 2009 and 500 children in 2010-2011. This
funding allows children to continue learning and parents to continue
working.
We
all need to take a stand for children. We know children are our most
valuable resource. They are the future of our state. That is why we
must vote "no" on 302 and continue the success of First Things
First.
|
Bill Berk, Central
Pima Council, Owner/Director, Outer Limits School, Tucson |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
What
happens to children and youth in our cities and towns is more than a
family or school issue. It is an issue that affects the future of entire
communities. For this reason, I urge you to vote No on 302.
I'm
proud to call the City of Chandler home. I've seen my community go through
many changes since graduating from Chandler High School. Now, as a Chandler
City Councilmember, I'm working to maintain the integrity of the home
that I, and so many others, love. It's an honor to represent Chandler
on a local, regional, and national level, including my involvement with
the National League of Cities' Council on Youth, Education, and Families.
As a community leader, I'm aware we must never cease in our efforts
to plan for a successful future. That begins with making quality early
experiences for children aged 0-5 a top priority. First Things First
recognizes key areas helped by high-quality childcare:
- Positive
experiences between birth and school entry boost a child's healthy
development. Children with a good start are less likely to be held
back or get in trouble in school, and more likely to graduate from
college.
- Families
are more stable when the needs of their young children are met. When
children are healthy and in reliable care, their parents are more
likely to maintain employment and are more productive workers.
- When
children are ready for school, their schools are better able to meet
high standards. Successful schools improve a city's livability, and
help develop a strong future workforce.
By
investing in our children today, we'll see dividends paying well into
our future in the form of safe communities and a stronger Arizona.
|
Trinity Donovan,
Chandler City Councilmember & Executive Director, Chandler
Christian Community Center, Chandler |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
I
ask you to vote NO on Prop 302. We should not betray our children, nor
should we betray the voters. In 2006, we passed the First Things First
proposition by a wide margin. The proposition was assigned to tax tobacco
products for designated programs for children. No one expected that
someday people try to use this money for general purposes.
Children
shouldn't have to live with promises made by the voters and then have
those funds go for a different purpose. Since 2006 when the fund was
created, First Things First has been successfully funded. It has not
been a drain on the state budget. It saves taxpayer's money by detecting
developmental problems in children, providing quality education, teaching
families about health and laying a solid foundation for success later
in life.
These
programs are working. We cannot let the Legislature have its way by
stealing the funding out the hands of our children.
I
urge, please vote NO on Proposition 302.
|
Andy Mellen, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Please
join me and VOTE NO on Prop. 302. I have a stake in the money involved
in this issue. As a smoker, I've been paying the premium placed on tobacco
products for the last 4 years to fund First Things First. I didn't vote
for it in 2006, but we are a land of laws and when it passed it became
necessary for me to pay a higher price for my tobacco products. First
Things First has been a very successful program and has raised a lot
of money. Now our legislature wants to raid that fund which was dedicated
to early childhood development programs. I wasn't for it, but the last
thing in the world I want is for the state to grab that money and spend
it in any fashion they choose. As we all know, they are not stellar
when it comes to spending. If I must be penalized for my tobacco use,
at the very least I want to money to go to the dedicated purpose for
which it was designed.
Do
not give money dedicated to helping the children of Arizona over to
the state to squander because they mismanaged what they already had.
First Things First was put in place to help children. None of us should
want to take that money and throw it in the general fund because our
legislators have performed so poorly.
Vote
NO on Prop. 302
|
Joyce E. Downey,
Scottsdale |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Children
and their healthy development are critical to our future. We, the people
of Arizona, know this to be true. We made our children our priority
and, in 2006, voted for the First Things First funding using tobacco
tax monies. These funds provide Arizona's youngest children, from birth
to 5 years, with specialized health care, early education, and family
support to foster healthy development and school readiness. In 2006
we knew that without these funds our future would be in jeopardy. We
also knew that we needed to separate and protect these funds for the
sake of our children. We acted on our knowledge and protected our children.
Now,
four years later and with these hard times, our duty to protect our
children has become especially vital. Our future is more in jeopardy
than ever before. Because of the poor planning, bad decisions, and desperate
acts caused by these times, many valuable and beneficial programs have
been abandoned and our children are no longer a priority to our legislators.
Before
us, Proposition 302 is asking to repeal our 2006 vote, overturn our
promise to our youngest citizens, and surrender First Things First and
its statewide, child-focused programs that are continuing to expand
and benefit hundreds of thousands of Arizona children. There is too
much at stake. Now, more than ever, we must restate our priority. We
must reaffirm our promise to protect our future.
Say
NO to Proposition 302 and to
the request to raid these protected funds. Do it for our own good.
|
Kristina Blackledge,
Anthem |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
I
urge you to join me in voting NO on Proposition 302. Voting no tells
the Legislature that we knew what we were doing in 2006 when we approved
creation of First Things First. Voting otherwise would be an admission
that the Legislature really needs to direct our votes.
In
2006 we, the people voted to create First Things First because we understood
that it would give all of Arizona's youngest children the fair shot
they deserve but weren't getting to enter kindergarten healthy and ready
to succeed.
Now,
they have it. With a voter-approved tobacco tax providing real funding
- and therefore concrete results - more than 330,000 Arizona children
have directly benefited from the promise we voters made to them. Hundreds
of citizen volunteers throughout Arizona meet in their communities to
actually direct where First Things First funding is spent locally, rather
than rely on central mandates from distant state legislators.
At
a time when anything run by government seems to be broken, First Things
First works because it was created and is operated not by legislative
edict, but by voter mandate.
A
"yes" vote would take all of these advantages back. Mind you,
it would NOT eliminate the 80-cent-per-pack tobacco tax. It would simply
hand the Legislature that tax to use as they see fit, and break the
promise we made in 2006 to Arizona's kids age 0 to 5. Prop 302 is NOT
a citizen's initiative. It is a question put to us by the Arizona Legislature,
and that alone should give all voters pause.
On
behalf of my three kids, all of whom are under age 5, and on behalf
all Arizona kids their age, I am voting "no" and I strongly
urge you to do the same. Their future - and our own - is at stake here.
|
Paul G. Allvin,
Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Proposition
302 is wrong for Arizona. It flies in the face of the voter's will and
common sense. If there is one thing of which we can all be certain no
matter our political party or the economic status, it is that Arizona's
children deserve a quality start in life.
A NO VOTE ON PROP. 302 takes a stand for children. It reaffirms
the message sent by the voters with the passage of Prop. 100 in May
and sends a strong message about the value of First Things First, created
by the voters four years ago. First Things First touched every community
in our state and made our K-12 education system stronger by strategically
investing resources to ensure our kids begin school ready to learn.
Anyone who works in the education system will tell you that the best
way to combat illiteracy, behavioral issues and child health problems
is to stop the problems before they have a chance to take root.
First
Things First understands the dire need for early childhood spending.
Our state has recently cut $2.2 billion in services, First Things First
is a funding mechanism that invests in our children making sure they
have access to doctors and specialized health care. First Things First
has helped more than 300,000 young Arizonans.
Please
vote against Prop. 302 so we can continue to give our kids the chance
they deserve.
|
Jane Lynch, Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
In
May of this year, Arizona voters overwhelmingly voted to pass Proposition
100, keeping preserving quality education, public safety and vital health
care for thousands of our fellow Arizonans. This isn't the first time
voters came together to support our state's children and keep intact
the safety net for those in need.
In 2006, Arizona voters approved First Things First - an initiative
that uses a tax on tobacco products to fund early childhood development
and education. Because of First Things First, Arizona's youngest children
begin school healthy and ready to learn. These core services, focused
on kids ages 0 to 5, ensure that our kids are set up on a path to becoming
well-rounded and successful members of society.
Those
vital services, which have already improved the lives of more than 330,000
children, are now in danger. The Arizona Legislature, having spent our
state deeply into debt, wants to seize the First Things First revenue
stream for their own spending. If they have their way, they'll put an
end to programs that help pre-schoolers with doctor's visits and early
learning; simple things that make a significant impact.
Our
children may not be able to vote. You can. Tell our legislators
no. Vote No on 302.
|
Shiree Verdone,
Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
I
ask you to vote "NO" on 302. We must not betray our children
and forsake our future. Children should not have to bear the brunt of
the mistakes made by the irresponsible adults who populate the Arizona
Legislature.
Since
2006 when it was created by voters, First Things First has been funded
successfully by taxes on tobacco products. It has not been a drain on
the state budget. Instead, First Things First saves taxpayers money
by detecting developmental problems in children, providing quality early
education, teaching families about health, and laying a solid foundation
for success later in life. The mission of this program is absolutely
consistent with the priorities expressed by voters not only in 2006,
but again this past May, when Proposition 100 was passed by a landslide,
protecting education and health care.
Numerous
studies show children provided quality education and comprehensive health
care stay in school and are less likely to commit crimes. Because of
the services First Things First provides, we can be confident Arizona's
youngest citizens will grow into productive members of society and help
Arizona become even more prosperous in the future.
This
program is working. We cannot let the Legislature have its way, stealing
the funding literally out of the hands of children.
I
urge you; please vote "NO" on 302.
|
Lisa Blyth, Avondale |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
As
decisive issues abound, there is one commonality: We all want what is
best for our children. And, as Americans, Arizonans and adults, we know
that what sets us apart from the rest of the world is hope. Though,
as of late, it may not seem as if we live in the land of opportunity,
the land of prosperity, that place where if you work hard you and your
family will flourish. Now more than ever, it is our responsibility to
consider how we might best provide that same hope for our children as
those before us did. We know we will leave them encumbered, but we can
help by providing them with the most important tools they will ever
have in their arsenals ... a good start ... education ... the preferred
weapons of their century.
Let's
do this together and provide our children with the same opportunity
that we were fortunate to know. The "e" in hope may be at
the end of the word, but "E"ducation is the precursor to hope.
As
smokers, we supported First Things First when it was on the 2006 Ballot.
We understood that the additional taxes we would pay would directly
benefit children. There was a method to our madness and FTF has done
right by our kids and with our trust. But, that is not the case with
the Legislature; it wants to abscond with these tax revenues forever
... not temporarily. Where's the equity in that? If you didn't hear
us then, hear us now: NO ON 302.
|
Saundra K. Minckley,
Chandler |
Diana Corinti,
Maricopa |
Timothy DeGraw,
Phoenix |
Tammy Fontaine,
Chandler |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Vote
NO on Proposition 302
In
2006 the voters approved the First Things First project which funded
early childhood development programs in Arizona by taxing tobacco products.
It has been in place for the past 4 years and by all accounts has been
successful in its goal to help children with health and behavioral problems.
Once
again, the legislature wants to ignore the will of the people and use
the money in the First Things First fund for other purposes. This is
absolutely wrong. The voters gave their approval for First Things First.
When the state gets into financial difficulty they should not be allowed
to dip their fingers into pots of money that were meant for a purposed
the voters decided. The state needs to cut spending in areas that are
not dedicated. First Things First is not a piggy-bank to be raided at
will.
VOTE
NO ON PROP. 302
|
Todd A. Bradford,
Phoenix |
|
Paid for by Save
First Things First - No on 302 |
Your
first thought is probably that this is a good solution. Your second
thought needs to be the realization that repealing First Things First
means ELIMINATING LOCAL CONTROL over how the money is spent in your
community. First Things First is a unique state agency in that they
provide the administrative support and oversight, yet it is the local
regions, with community input and the direction of committed volunteers,
serving 2-4 year terms, who decide how the money is spent. First Things
First creates the situation that each Council can make decisions based
upon their citizens' needs. This means locally-responsive programs and
priorities are selected by local experts from your community, not Phoenix
administrators making plans based upon what works in Maricopa County.
Let local, committed community members determine priorities and select
qualified programs to meet the overwhelming mandate of the voters in
2006 to support early childhood programs. Vote
NO on 302.
First
Things First purposefully built-up a fund to support programming through
the ten years of its existence because smoking rates and the rate of
population growth have declined. This fund has been offered to the Governor
and legislature as a no-interest loan. This cash could support the matching
funds that Arizona needs to obtain federal money for health insurance
for children. This is a win-win situation. First Things First has been
flexible in releasing additional funds to meet the needs of Arizona's
youngest citizens and their families as cuts to state agencies have
devastated young families. Support First Things First supporting families.
First Things First has managed their money well; see for yourself at
www.azftf.gov Don't let the money go
into the general fund. Vote NO on 302.
PROPOSITION
302 ~ BALLOT FORMAT
|
| REFERRED
TO THE PEOPLE BY THE LEGISLATURE RELATING TO EARLY CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH PROGRAMS [HCR 2001] |
|
Enacting and ordering the submission to the people of a measure
relating to early childhood development and health programs.
|
|
TERMINATES
THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH BOARD AND PROGRAMS
ESTABLISHED BY VOTERS IN 2006 AS THE "ARIZONA EARLY CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH INITIATIVE;" REQUIRES MONEY IN THE
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION FUND BE DEPOSITED
IN THE STATE GENERAL FUND AND USED FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
FOR CHILDREN. |
| |
|
| A
"yes" vote shall have the effect of terminating the
Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board and programs,
which were established by voters in 2006 as part of the "Arizona
Early Childhood Development and Health Initiative." It
would require the transfer of money remaining in the early childhood
development and education fund on December 1, 2010 to be deposited
in the state general fund. Thereafter, it would require tobacco
tax money collected pursuant to the initiative to be deposited
in the state general fund and used for health and human services
for children. |
YES  |
| A
"no" vote shall have the effect of retaining the Arizona
Early Childhood Development and Health Board and programs and
keeping any money in the early childhood development and education
fund. |
NO |
