Child advocates, community and business leaders will gather Thursday January 20th, in opposition of an administrative decision by the state Health Department to consider cuts to child abuse prevention services statewide. Last week, Health Commissioner Terry Cline told members of the state Board of Health that if the agency received a 5 percent budget cut, the Office of Child Abuse Prevention Services would be eliminated.
Lawmakers this legislative session will draft a budget for the next fiscal year. The budget will be based on revenue figures finalized in February. Officials are predicting a nearly $400 million budget hole for the state. Lawmakers and agency directors must make tough budget decisions. But, the state’s budget should not be cut on the backs of children, who can’t vote and have little voice in our political process. Dollars invested in prevention are cost effective. These programs help parents across the state be better parents and keep children at home with their families – not in state custody.
AT A GLANCE:
WHAT: Press conference with child advocates, community leaders opposing cuts to child abuse prevention services at the state Department of Health.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Thursday
WHERE: State Capitol Broadcast Press Room, Room 432B
