Don't pass budget that hurts kids

Illinois legislators need to pass a budget the does not put the responsibility on the backs of low-income families and children. Are you aware of the budget crisis that is happening right now that directly impacts the early childhood arena?

If the budget, which cuts human services funding by 50 percent, passes, it will have devastating effects on children, parents, child care programs and the entire community. To give you a full picture if this budget passes, the following will occur in a domino effect: 80,000 families would lose their child care payments, resulting in many of them losing their jobs; 150,000 children would lose their child care slot, putting those children behind when they start school; 25,000 child-care programs would shut down, including family child care homes and child care centers; all preschool funding in Illinois would be eliminated; almost all money set aside to improve the quality of child care programs will be eliminated.

According to the most recent publication of the economic impact on the early care and education industry in Illinois, every dollar invested in quality early care and education saves up to $17 dollars on government expenditures by reducing cost of remedial education, grade retention and crime.

On behalf of the children, families, and the profession I have chosen to commit and dedicate my life too, I am pleading with Illinois legislators to pass a budget that will fully fund child care before the start of the next fiscal year on July 1.

Sandy Stich

Carol Stream