News

Bright Spots in the Governor's Budget proposal

We have been spending the last several days unpacking the Governor’s proposed budget and there is a lot to like and some questions that are yet to be answered. This is only the Governor’s proposal and not necessarily what will be in the final budget once it is negotiated and passed. The Governor’s budget checks off several of our legislative priorities this session:

  • Doubling the kinship care stipend from $75 per child per month to $150 (the stipend is financial support provided to grandparents and other relatives who step in to take care of children in times of abuse and neglect).
  • Fully restoring district additional assistance (DAA) two years ahead of schedule (this is money schools use to buy textbooks, curriculum, technology, and new school buses).
  • Increase safe, quality child care options by adding $23 million in federal investments to the child care subsidy program for low-income working parents.

There are other investments in children such as $38 million in ongoing funds for school counselors, social workers, and school resource officers (SROs). We are also pleased to see incentives to encourage the adoption of children with significant special needs and sibling groups.

That said,  it is still unclear how the $23 million in federal child care subsidy programs will be utilized and if the new federal money coming to Arizona will be included in a final appropriation. Our position is that these dollars should be invested in increasing the subsidy rates so that they match the real costs that parents face when paying for child care.

One thing is clear: we will fight tirelessly to ensure our tax dollars are being spent on our children.

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Events

Thank You - Champions For Children 2024

We are so thankful to everyone who helped make the 2024 Champions for Children Luncheon a remarkable success. Whether you attended, sponsored, donated, or supported us, your contribution makes a difference! To those who attended, thank you for your presence and dedication to supporting our work to strengthen…

News

Well That's Scary- Child Care Crisis in Arizona

Research shows that it now costs more than $300,000 to raise a child from birth to age 18. It is no surprise that the cost of child care is a large part of those expenses, where, nationally, it costs $1,188 per month for center-based care for one child. In Arizona specifically, 61% of children under…

Events

Champions for Children Annual Event

Thursday, October 31, 2024 @ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM:  Check-in 11:00 AM to Noon: Lunch Program Noon to 1:00 PM:  Awards Ceremony Arizona Heritage Center | 1300 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288 Tickets will be available at the door. If you are interested in donating to support our...