There’s no sugarcoating it: The final budget approved by the N.C. General Assembly is bad for children and families.
Putting a shiny label on a piece of legislation doesn’t guarantee that its contents are as advertised. Before the Honorables vote to make dramatic changes to our public schools, the politically named “Excellent Public Schools Act” needs thorough scrutiny and a lot of input from the people who would be most affected.
The proposed House budget restores some funding for key child programs that were cut last year, though not nearly to the level of the Governor’s proposed budget, which focused heavily on public education investments. There are also, however, some concerning cuts to children’s programs in the House budget, and places where badly needed funds cut last year were not restored.
North Carolinians have long recognized that children are one of our state’s most valuable resources and their success is our success. Investing in the health, safety, education and financial security of our children are among the most important duties of our society. As the recession continues to stress North Carolinians, it is critical that policymakers focus on preserving services for children and families.
As the 50 states pass their budgets in trying times, education spending is taking one of the hardest hits. In North Carolina, the cuts are so severe that Gov. Beverly Perdue warns "they will do generational damage" to public education.
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – The increase in home foreclosures plus the high jobless and poverty rates brought on by the
Charlotte – The increase in home foreclosures plus the high jobless and poverty rates brought on by the recession have affected the children of North Carolina, particularly Hispanics, according to a new report.
According to the study "Children in the Great Recession," prepared by Action for Children of North Carolina, due to the slow recovery of the state's economy and cuts in aid programs for low-income families, youngsters now face greater economic difficulties than in the past.
