Continue state's kids commitment

Disagreements among state leaders have grabbed plenty of headlines, but a more positive story has gone mostly unnoticed.

It is the quieter story of Illinois' commitment to families and their children.

Over the past few years, state policy-makers have set aside their differences to agree upon this: Children deserve a strong start in life and parents deserve our support as they struggle to provide for their children.

This support isn't free. This year's tentatively approved budget includes a $32.4 million increase to improve preschool and early childhood education programs and $45 million more to invest in quality child care.

The budget also calls for a $1.8 million boost in home visiting and parent coaching to better support young, at-risk children, and $3 million more to strengthen children's healthy mental development.

These budget priorities show the governor and our legislators understand that children and families matter most.

Policy-makers know their job is to make Illinois a strong state with the strongest future possible. And investments like these have been proven to save money over time by reducing the likelihood of children becoming involved in juvenile delinquency, dropping out of school and eventually becoming unemployed.

The real tragedy would be for this progress to be lost.

We urge Gov. Blagojevich and the General Assembly to avoid letting these victories for families and children fall victim to the politics of the day.

Let's maintain a state budget that continues Illinois' commitment to children and families - one that represents another positive chapter in the story of our state.

Jerry Stermer, President

Voices for Illinois Children

Maria Whelan, President and CEO

Illinois Action for Children

Harriet Meyer, President

Ounce of Prevention Fund

Chicago