Help Arizona Children!

        First things First was created by the voters of Arizona in 2006. It's purpose is to connect with families and communities to give all Arizona children the opportunity to arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed in life. They need our help now more than ever! Legislation is currently having a hearing with a bill that intends to take money from early childhood funding and transfer it into the K-12 budget. According to First things First,

"In 2010, voters spoke out once again in support of First Things First when we rejected by a 70% to 30% result the last attempt to raid the program. In October of 2015, a survey showed 71% of likely voters would once again vote to support First Things First should the early childhood education program be on the ballot in 2016."

The bill  reads,

"HCR 2037 refers a ballot measure to the voters requiring monies to be transferred from the Early Childhood Development and Health Fund (Fund) to school districts and charter schools to provide early childhood literacy programs."

        Although it is VERY important that school districts and charter schools receive funding to provide childhood literacy programs, it is not effective to take it from early childhood funding! The first 5 years of life are the most crucial in brain development. This is very troubling to hear and we need your help to ensure that all children have a quality head start in life! If you have the time, please write legislation and tell them how you feel about this. Thank you for your help!