Public Policy
Each one of us can make a difference,and together we can bring about change.
Budget Resources/Information
As all should have heard by now, YOU need to take
action immediately to urge your legislators to not allow this doomsday
budget to go into effect on July 1, 2009. The budget passed by the
legislature on May 31, 2009 only provides state agencies 50% of their
FY09 budgets for grant-based programs to fund all of FY10. This will
be devastating to all Child Care and Early Education, as well as all
human services.
Since the legislature adjourned on June 1, 2009, the four legislative
leaders and the Governor have been meeting each week. They met
yesterday, but no progress was made on the budget talks. They do not
plan to meet again until next week. In the meantime, YOU must call and
visit your legislator’s office NOW!
*If you do not know who represents where you live, go to: http://www.elections.il.gov/
Click here to see how your Representative voted and here for how your Senator voted.
- If your legislators voted YES on the tax increase, thank them for their support and ensure them that they have your continued support
- If your legislator voted NO on the tax increase, be prepared to state your dissatisfaction and that they you hold them accountable for the children that are going to lose access to critical services
- Encourage your legislators to communicate this to their leadership to bring them back to Springfield to pass a fair budget
Call the Governor’s office:
Springfield Office: 217-782-0244 TTY: 888-261-3336
Chicago Office: 312-814-2121
The main message needs to be “no cuts to children and families”. Be
sure to use your own words and explain how detrimental this will be to
you and the children/families of their districts. Describe what this
state will look like with no day care for our children.
Illinois AEYC plans to send action alerts (in conjunction with Action
for Children) as often as needed to update you on any action. You can
also follow Illinois AEYC on Facebook and Twitter as they are posting
updates often. Here are a few other great places to access information
on a daily basis:
http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/
http://www.daycareaction.org/
www.ounceofprevention.org
http://www.voices4kids.org/
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like additional information.
Find out what else is happening in Washington DC and Illinois:
Where do I go to get the current NAEYC position statements?
You can click here to see NAEYC Position Statements on issues related to early childhood education practice, policy, and/or professional development for which there are controversial or critical opinions.
How can I get notified of urgent action alerts?
You can be notified via email of urgent news concerning the Early Childhood community. Sign up for our Urgent Action Alert program at the bottom of this page. You will be asked to submit your email address in order to subscribe. Subscribe with confidence. All email addresses will be kept confidential and will not be sold or distributed to anyone.
How can I get my voice heard?
Find out who your legislator is and how you can contact them:
How did my legislator vote?
See your representative’s voting history here:
Where can I learn even more?
Here are links to other Illinois Public Policy and Advocacy Groups:
Center for Early Childhood Leadership
League of Women Voters of Illinois
Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children
Here are links to other National Public Policy and Advocacy Groups:
America’s Promise- The Alliance for Youth
Child Welfare League of America
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Parents Action for Children (formerly the I am Your Child Foundation)
I have more questions! Can someone from GoAEYC please contact me?
Recent Public Policy News
Our Lobby Day 2009 was a HUGE SUCCESS! Please consider joining us next year!
Thanks again to our friends at DuPage AEYC who helped us to make this event a reality!
Thanks to Senators Trotter and Clayborne Jr. for speaking to our group!
Senator James F. Clayborne Jr. (D)
57th District
Assistant Majority Leader
Senator Donne E. Trotter (D)
17th District
Majority Caucus Whip
GOAEYC members “on the rail” to lobby our representatives!!
Sign Up Today for our Urgent Action Alerts!
The Urgent Action Alert Program is an email notification system where you are sent an email report of any breaking news in the Early Childhood Public Policy arena. Click here to join our Urgent Action Alert program.