Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is a nonprofit, grass roots, interfaith organizationthat crosses political, religious and economic lines to teach and act toward systemic change for the common good and dignity for those most vulnerable in our communities, on issues around housing, seniors, children and workforce.

What will Arizona Proposition 302 do? It will repeal the First Things First program, an early childhood initiative that Arizona voters passed in 2006, funded by a tobacco tax of $0.80 per pack. This $0.80 per pack tax has never been collected into Arizona’s general fund. As such, it has never been calculated into the state’s general budget nor caused its current budget problem.

To date, First Things First has allocated about $300 million for educational and health services for children in every part of Arizona. It is estimated that it has funded services which have touched the lives of at least 350,000 of Arizona’s youngest children – that’s over half of five and under children in the state!

A ‘Yes’ vote on Proposition 302 will eliminate essentials such as quality child care, early literacy programs, home and community parenting support services, oral health treatments for infants and toddlers, and the helping of teachers of young children to enhance their professional skills.

First Things First is a unique state agency that allows local regions with community input to decide how its funding is spent. The original initiative enacted its own funding.

Why is NAIC opposed to Proposition 302? We are deeply concerned that a ‘yes’ vote on this proposition will hurt our children and economically vulnerable families. The state’s child poverty rate has risen from 19.5% in 2006 to 23.4% in 2009. By most accounts Arizona ranks last (or near to last) in per pupil spending. Budget cuts have resulted in larger classrooms sizes and eliminated all day kindergarten (where $218 million was cut), forcing school districts to reduce or even eliminate school counselors, librarians, nurses, and classes for art and music.

Today, 45 percent of Arizona high school graduates do not pursue any higher education, the lowest rate in the country. In the global economy, Arizona children will struggle to compete with students from other states and countries. We grounded program that can improve not only education outcomes, but provide much needed services to struggling families of our young children?

Arizona must invest in our children and their families. First Things First is a solid. Is stripping this vital funding the best way to balance our budget – on the backs? We know that Arizona leadership can do better.

The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council urges a NO vote on Proposition 302.

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