AACF's federal tax and budget project gives a voice to Arkansas children and families
In Arkansas, 353,402 children - one in four - live in low-income families. Over the last seven years, federal economic policies have made it even more difficult for families to escape poverty and become self-sufficient.
Key programs that support working families and children have been cut significantly relative to inflation since 2002, including Head Start and child care assistance.
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families advocates for a fair and responsible federal tax and budget system so working families can move forward. In doing so, we:
- Monitor legislative proposals, public debate and discussion about federal tax and budget issues.
- Share our research on the impact of federal tax and budget policies and proposals with the Arkansas Congressional delegation.
- Organize coalitions around federal budget and tax issues, identify community leaders, organizations, and state-wide networks and work to educate and engage them.
- Conduct state-wide public education campaigns on federal tax and budget issues and the federal budget process.
OUR PRIORITIES IN 2009:
Support the President's budget by ensuring that Congress' budget resolution supports increased investments in social programs and tax credits that support low-income children and their families.
Reinvigorate Head Start and Early Head Start programs to help prepare more children for school.
Increase funding for high quality child care to help the 7,602 working Arkansas families on the waiting list.
Encourage fiscal responsibility by only extending the tax cuts that generate economic growth and help low-income children and their families.
Protect low- and moderate-income consumers by ensuring that consumer relief provisions are in climate change legislation to offset the cost of increasing utility rates.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Get informed: Sign up for our Moving Families Forward e-newsletter.
Speak up: Call or write to your U.S. representatives and senators and share your priorities.
Stand up for kids: Call on AACF staff to speak to your organization, community group, congregation or school.
For more information, contact Candice Smith by email or phone at 501-371-9678, Ext. 112.