Keeping on Message: Protecting $$ That Directly Impact Children

In his testimony before the Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Social Services (DSS) issues, CT Early Childhood Alliance Executive Director Shaun McNally said, “The budget before you proposes a no-growth plan over three years for these key safety net programs. In the context of this economic downturn, it is all we can ask for. But we wish to note that flat funding will still force centers to make difficult choices over program access, teacher compensation and benefits, as the cost of health care, insurance and utilities rise unabated.”

He added, “In good times, this marginally funded system is fragile. Small changes in revenues – either from reduced state subsidies or a few laid off parents – can determine a center's survival.”

At these budget hearings, four Alliance members testified before the Appropriations subcommittees that represent the Department of Social Services and Department of Education. Hundreds of people attended these hearings to ask for help. At the end of the day, everyone is fighting for the same funding, and when it comes time to make cuts, no one is safe or immune.

None of this ECE funding is guaranteed. Children are not immune to these cuts. Please do not lose sight of these core programs for children as you talk with policymakers. It's not to say that other programs are not important to Alliance members and that they should not be fought for as well, however, there has to be a way to balance the fine line between fighting for what the group has agreed upon and becoming self-defeating. There is room for all these things to happen if people of good faith work together.