Tell the Legislature and Governor to Stop Cuts to Kids

On May 23, the State Legislature adjourned with no agreement on the budget with the Governor. The Governor’s budget relies on nearly $1 billion in income taxes from the top 5% of income tax filers. The legislature’s budget makes deep and draconian cuts to our state’s infrastructure, leaving hardly any part of the budget untouched.

Most troubling, the legislature’s Health and Human Services bill specifically made deep cuts affecting children and families, including:

• A significant cut to children’s mental health services and children’s protection under the Children and Community Services Act, totaling over $24 million and affecting 51,000 children per year;
• Children's Mental Health Screening grants were cut by $3.8 million, impacting 4,500 children per year;
• The Indian Children Welfare Act, intended to be child protection services for American Indian families, was cut by $1.5 million and then transferred to R21 grants, affecting 1,400 children per year;
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) cut reimbursement levels $26.8 million, impacting 22,000 families per year;
• The Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance program was cut $5 million, affecting 500 families per year;
• Meanwhile, Child Care Resource and Referral Grants, provided to agencies that help families find quality child care, was cut by $1.5 million.

Yet if we all do our part, Minnesota has enough resources to prevent cuts that threaten our children’s well-being. It’s time for Minnesota’s elected officials to find a compromise. Our public officials need to hear the message loud and clear: cutting children’s services in Minnesota is a risk for our state, and it is the wrong decision.

Here are two resources for your use: first, a sample letter to your legislator urging him or her to protect the future of our children. Second, you will find a postcard template, which you can print on cardstock, cut, and use for your congregation, community, family, or friends to send to their own legislators.

Your voice can make a difference! Speak up now to protect the vital services our state provides to Minnesota’s families.

Click here for contact information for your legislators!

Check out the slides below for more details about the cuts that are being proposed and how they will effect the children of Minnesota.

Click here to hear an audio recording of our Key Advocate webinar for more information about the slides.