Maine Kids VOICE

Supplemental Budget Update:

Members of the Appropriations Committee came to agreement on the cuts to this current year budget (that runs through June 30, 2012). The next step will be for these budget changes to be voted on in the House and Senate.   You can access the Appropriations Committee documents the approved cuts at http://www.maine.gov/legis/ofpr/appropriations_committee/materials/index.htm

How will the Appropriations Committee 2012 budget agreement affect young children?

Three important early childhood programs – Head Start, Child Care subsidies and Maine Families home visiting program – were not cut in the Committee agreement on the 2012 budget. However, coverage for 14,000 parents whose family income is between 133% and 200% of poverty will be eliminated on October 1, 2012. Reports consistently show that, when parents have access to physical and mental health services, they are better able to care for their children. We believe this agreement is deeply flawed. It will deny health care coverage to thousands of people. But it also protects thousands of others who would have suffered even more under the governor’s original proposal and maintains funding for important early childhood programs for the rest of this fiscal year.

The full legislature will decide soon whether or not to support the agreement.

Next: The 2013 Budget (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013)

Members of the Appropriations Committee are now working on the 2013 budget. State funding for Head Start, child care subsidies and home visiting will again be at risk of reduction or elimination by the Committee.

These important programs provide distinct and important services to Maine’s families. The Governor’s proposed cuts that the Committee will again consider would drastically reduce the resources available to Maine’s most vulnerable young children and their families.

What would be the impact of reductions of cuts on these early childhood services?

Child Care Subsidies:

The Governor’s proposed budget would eliminate all state funding of the child care system through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The elimination of this funding will automatically trigger a reduction of federal matching funds, cutting total funding approximately in half. Parents in low wage jobs would lose child care subsidies and be forced into child care arrangements that are inconsistent, unstable and often unaffordable. Research has proven time and again that families are stronger and more economically stable when they have reliable, consistent child care. DHHS estimates that up to 1,600 children would lose a subsidy. This represents approximately half of the total number of children served in 2011.

Subsidies have been shown to help low-income parents find employment and stay employed. These findings are strongest for the most disadvantaged families. Subsidies also reduce job-related disruptions due to child care problems.

CCDF funding is used in two ways in Maine. Most of the funds are used to provide subsidies to families that can document they need this child care in order to continue working. The resources are also used to increase access to quality child care for all Maine families; ensure licensing rules are implemented; and provide consumer information and support for families. In order to ensure the smallest number of families lose a subsidy, the quality initiatives Maine currently supports will need to be significantly reduced.

Maine Families

Maine Families Home Visiting Program delivers evidence-based services to Maine’s most vulnerable infants and young children. Maine Families provides a wide array of critical services focused on concerns such as drug-affected babies and family substance abuse, domestic violence, prevention of abusive head trauma and other severe infant abuse, and multiple areas of health and safety.  The Governor’s proposed budget would eliminate all the home visiting funding from the Fund for a Healthy Maine. This cut, combined with a curtailment (reduction in funding) that went into effect on January 1, 2012, would result in a loss of 68% of the program’s funding.

Maine was recently awarded two federal home visitation grants. One grant is a limited grant intended to support the development of an integrated and cross disciplinary statewide system for home visitation and primarily supporting one demonstration site. The other is a larger four-year grant to expand the existing program in order to reach more high risk infants (esp. drug-affected babies) statewide. Although there is no maintenance of effort (MOE) required for these federal resources, the proposed budget cuts could result in Maine not receiving this funding due to non-supplantation that is included in these grants. Non-supplantation means that new funds cannot be used to replace cuts in a program.

Head Start:

The Governor’s proposed budget eliminates all state funding for Head Start. While DHHS projects that this represents at least 367 designated state funding slots statewide, it is likely many local communities served by Head Start would experience a disproportionate loss. Due to state child care licensing regulations and federal Head Start regulations, programs will be forced to eliminate service in communities. Rural communities without the population density or economies of scale to keep centers open will be most seriously affected. The majority of Head Start parents are working or in school, so this cut will result in low income families losing opportunities to increase their economic independence. Programs are preparing to close centers, which will result in job loss for currently employed teachers, cooks, janitors and other support staff.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

The Maine Children’s Alliance believes these cuts are so deep and pervasive that they will decrease the quality of life for Maine families and communities.

We encourage you to make your opinion heard and speak out against these cuts to valuable early childhood programs. There are a number of ways you can get involved:

• Contact members of the Appropriations committee and your representative and senator to express your support for these early childhood programs. We have developed two template letters that you can personalize.
• Use those same templates to encourage others to contact their legislators, telling them about the importance of early childhood programs.
• Here are links to the committee membership list as well as how to find your Senator or Representative:
  • Appropriations http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/jt_com/afa.htm
  • Find Your Legislatorhttp://www.maine.gov/legis/house/townlist.htmSubmit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or post information on Facebook.

For more information or assistance drafting letters to legislators or the media, contact Judy Reidt-Parker: jreidtparker@mekids.org or 623-1868 ext. 210

“In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt, as injustice.” ~Charles Dickens

Some of the staff at MCA were talking about Charles Dickens today in honor of his 200^th birthday. We mentioned favorite books – Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol. These classic works of literature depict the social and economic injustices that children and families faced in 19^th century England. And we noted that the themes explored in his books seem all too familiar to us today. Cruelty, inequality, poverty… these negative experiences shaped the lives of many Dickensian characters. His tales of woe and wonder transcend time and place.

In addition to being a creative writer, Charles Dickens was a great child advocate, telling harrowing stories about young people growing up in a newly industrialized world. Dickens offers hope in some of his stories. For example, Scrooge gains compassion through the visits from the three ghosts. He wakes up understanding that Bob Cratchit and his family deserve heat, food and proper health care for Tiny Tim. By looking at his past, present and future, Scrooge came to understand how his earlier experiences shaped him. He also seemed to understand that his well-being was connected to the well-being of others, especially the Cratchit family.

And so on this bicentennial day of his birth, let’s all take a moment and think of Dickens, the author, child advocate and social reformer. And let’s carry on his good work by being compassionate, always striving to maintain a society that treats children and families with dignity and fairness. For as Dickens said, “Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door. “

Our friends from the Healthy Maine Partnership in Brunswick asked that we share this very important call to action regarding the Fund for a Healthy Maine. Please take the time to contact the members of the Appropriations Committee and your local legislator and let them know how important the Fund for a Health Maine is to our children and families. Thank you.

The Maine Network of Healthy Communities would like to let you know that the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee will be making some key decisions in the next day or two on the future of the Fund for a Healthy Maine.
At stake is the elimination of all Healthy Maine Partnerships and Coordinated School Health Programs.

In addition to the work we do to create healthy communities that support healthy choices, it is important that legislators hear that HMPs are the cornerstone of the local public health infrastructure in Maine.  The question many are asking is what is the plan to protect the people of Maine from emerging public health threats, pandemic public health problems and to promote the cornerstone of public health, prevention, without a public health infrastructure in place?

Apparently, not enough community voices have expressed support for the FHM and HMP system.  If you are any of your local partners, advocates and community members would like to contact Appropriation Committee members in addition to your local legislators, here is a list of AFA Committee member emails:

Appropriations Committee Legislators:

Senator Richard Rosen (R – Chair) – rrosen113@aol.com

Senator Roger Katz (R) – RKatz@lipmankatzmckee.com

Senator Dawn Hill (D) – SenDawn.Hill@Legislature.Maine.Gov

Rep. Pat Flood (R – Chair) – patricksaflood@roadrunner.com

Rep. Tom Windsor (R) – twinsor@megalink.net

Rep. Kathy Chase (R) – kathydhchase@hotmail.com

Rep. Tyler Clark (R) – tyleraclark@msn.com

Rep. Ken Fredette (R) – fredlaw@myfairpoint.net

Rep. Dennis Keschl (R) – keschl@yahoo.com

Rep. Peggy Rotundo (D) – mrotundo@bates.edu

Rep. John Martin (D) – RepJohn.Martin@legislature.maine.gov

Rep. David Webster (D) – dcwebster@comcast.net

Rep. Sara Stevens (D) – RepSara.Stevens@legislature.maine.gov

Maine Children’s Alliance

Early Childhood Policy Update

January 25, 2012

__________________________________________________________

The proposed DHHS supplemental budget continues to be the most significant policy issue for children and families this legislative session. Members of the Appropriations and Health and Human Services Committees heard compelling stories from and about people who depend on the important programs and services threatened with elimination or significant reduction during the public hearings in December. Now, members of the Appropriations Committee are continuing their review of the Governor’s proposed budget cuts to DHHS early childhood programs. These include the elimination of all state funding for the child care system and Head Start and a major reduction in funding for the Maine Families home visiting program. Health care for low income parents is also threatened to be cut.

These important programs provide distinct and important services to Maine’s families. The Governor’s proposal would drastically reduce the resources available to Maine’s most vulnerable young children and their families. Here is a summary of the impact these cuts would have:

Child Care Subsidies:

The proposed budget eliminates all state funding of the child care system through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). The elimination of this funding will automatically trigger a reduction of federal matching funds, cutting total funding approximately in half. Parents in low wage jobs would lose child care subsidies and be forced into child care arrangements that are inconsistent, unstable and often unaffordable. Research has proven time and again that families are stronger and more economically stable when they have reliable, consistent child care. DHHS estimates that up to 1,600 children would lose a subsidy. This represents approximately half of the total number of children served in 2011.

Child Care Budget Cuts: Impact Analysis

Current Investment: State $ 4,442,236 Federal: $16,835,723

Proposed State Reduction: $4,442,236

Remaining State Investment: $0

Loss of Federal Resource: $6,025,942

Remaining Federal Investment: $9,989,754

Subsidies have been shown to help low-income parents find employment and stay employed. These findings are strongest for the most disadvantaged families. Subsidies also reduce job-related disruptions due to child care problems (Daily et al., 2011).

CCDF funding is used in two ways in Maine. Most of the funds are used to provide subsidies to families that can document they need this child care in order to continue working. The resources are also used to increase access to quality child care for all Maine families; ensure licensing rules are implemented; and provide consumer information and support for families. In order to ensure the smallest number of families lose a subsidy, the quality initiatives Maine currently supports will need to be significantly reduced.

Maine Families

Maine Families Home Visiting Program delivers evidence-based, costeffective services to Maine’s most vulnerable infants and young children. Maine Families provides a wide array of critical services focused on concerns such as drug-affected babies and family substance abuse, domestic violence, prevention of abusive head trauma and other severe infant abuse, and multiple areas of health and safety.  The proposed budget reduces all the home visiting funding from the Fund for a Healthy Maine. This cut, combined with a curtailment (reduction in funding) that went into effect on January 1, 2012, would result in a loss of 68% of the funding.

Home Visiting Budget Cuts: Impact Analysis

Current Investment: $ 4,171,383 (after $500,000 curtailment)

Proposed Reduction: $ 2,671,383 (All Fund for a Healthy Maine home visitation funding)

Remaining Investment: $ 1,500,000

Maine was recently awarded two federal home visitation grants. One grant is a limited grant intended to support the development of an integrated and cross disciplinary statewide system for home visitation and primarily supporting one demonstration site. The other is a larger four-year grant expand the existing program in order to reach more high risk infants (esp. drug-affected babies) statewide. Although there is no maintenance of effort (MOE) required for these federal resources, the proposed budget cuts could result in Maine not receiving this funding due to non-supplantation that is included in these grants. Non-supplantation means that new funds cannot be used to replace cuts in a program.

Head Start:

The proposed budget eliminates all state funding for Head Start. While DHHS projects that this represents at least 367 designated state funding slots statewide, it is likely many local communities served by Head Start would experience a disproportionate loss. Due to state child care licensing regulations and federal Head Start regulations, programs will be forced to eliminate service in communities. Rural communities without the population density or economies of scale to keep centers open will be most seriously affected. The majority of Head Start parents are working or in school, so this cut will result in low income families losing opportunities to increase their economic independence. Programs are preparing to close centers, which will result in job loss for currently employed teachers, cooks, janitors and other support staff.

Head Start Budget Cuts: Impact Analysis

Current State Investment $ 3,803,455

Current Federal Investment: $28,548,027

Proposed State Reduction: $ 3,803,455

Remaining State Investment: $ 0

MaineCare:

Coverage for 21,000 parents whose family income is between 100% and 200% of poverty would be eliminated. Healthy families are what make the difference for a child’s well-being. When parents have access to physical and mental health services they are better able to care for their children.

ADVOCACY ACTION:

The Maine Children’s Alliance believes these cuts are so deep and pervasive that they will decrease the quality of life for Maine families and communities.

We encourage you to make your opinion heard and speak out against these cuts to valuable early childhood programs. There are a number of ways you can get involved:

• Contact members of the Appropriations committee and your local representative to express your support for these early childhood programs. We have developed two template letters that you can personalize.
• Use those same templates to encourage others to contact their representative and senator, telling them about the importance of early childhood programs.
• Here are links to the committee membership list as well as how to find your Senator or Representative:
  • Appropriations http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/jt_com/afa.htm
  • Find Your Legislator http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/townlist.htm
• Submit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or post information on Facebook.

For more information or assistance drafting letters to legislators or the media, contact Judy Reidt-Parker: jreidtparker@mekids.org or 623-1868 ext. 210

The Governor’s proposed budget cuts to DHHS programs included significant cuts to Head Start, child care subsidies and the home visiting program. These important programs provide very distinct and important services to Maine’s families. The Governor’s proposal would:

• Cut 1 in 10 children currently enrolled in Head Start from the program. The majority of Head Start parents are working or in school, so this cut will result in low income families losing opportunities to increase their economic independence.
• Eliminate child care subsidies for half of the families currently receiving them. Parents in low wage jobs will be forced to have inconsistent and unstable child care arrangements, and may lose their jobs. Research has proven time and again that families are stronger and more self-sufficient when they have reliable, consistent child care. This proposed cut eliminates close to $6 million of federal money.
• Eliminate home visiting services for approximately 1,200 families. This proposed cut threatens a significant loss of up to $3 million federal dollars.

In addition, MaineCare coverage for 21,000 parents whose family income is between 100% and 200% of poverty would be eliminated. Healthy families are what make the difference for a child’s well-being. When parents have access to physical and mental health services they are better able to care for their children.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUGUSTA?
The early childhood community turned out in force at the public hearings held December 14th, 15th and 16th, 2011 at the State House. Members of the Appropriations and Health and Human Services committees heard compelling stories from and about people who depend on the important programs and services threatened with elimination or significant reduction. The Maine Children’s Alliance provided testimony in opposition to the cuts that would affect not only young children but older children, young adults and families as well. MCA believes these cuts are so very deep and pervasive that they will decrease the quality of life for children and Maine communities.

The December hearings were just the beginning of a budget process. The Appropriations Committee and the Health and Human Services committee have begun work on trying to fully understand all the proposed cuts and the impact on Maine citizens. Maine has always been forward thinking when it comes to ensuring that our state budget works to reflect our shared values and priorities – a shared concern for the common good. And we have met challenges, even in tough economic times; by making sure those values guide our decisions. We ask you to join us in letting your legislators know you support these important programs.

ADVOCACY ACTION:
We encourage you to make your opinion heard. There are a number of ways you can get involved:

• Contact members of the Appropriations and the Health and Human Services committees and express your support for these early childhood programs. We have developed two template letters that can be adapted for your individual perspective.
• Use those same templates to encourage others to contact their representative and senator, telling them about the importance of early childhood programs.
• Here are links to the committee membership list as well as how to find your Senator or Representative:
  • Appropriations http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/jt_com/afa.htm
  • Health and Human Services http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/jt_com/hum.htm
  • Find Your Legislator http://www.maine.gov/legis/house/townlist.htm
• Submit a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or post information on Facebook.

For more information or assistance drafting letters to legislators or the media, contact Judy Reidt-Parker: jreidtparker@mekids.org or 623-1868 ext. 210

Early Childhood Care Highlighted at State House Event

Augusta, ME (January 9, 2012)–By 2030, today’s babies will be entering the workforce or pursuing post-secondary education, and the time to invest in their success is now. Nearly 14,000 babies are born every year in Maine, and for these children to grow up to become a productive workforce they need a supportive infrastructure that paves the way for positive growth and development. That’s the central message of the 8th annual Infant Toddler Awareness Day held at the State House, Hall of Flags, Tuesday, January 10, 11 am-1 pm.

Speakers at the event include: Mary Mayhew, Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner; James A. Clair, CEO of Goold Health Systems; and Ed Cervone, co-chair of Maine Children’s Growth Council. Legislators are expected to attend and visit the event’s tables, which are organized by geographical region in order to best represent the services offered to young children and their families across Maine.

DHHS is in the spotlight as state lawmakers debate budget cuts–some of which directly affect Maine’s youngest citizens. Commissioner Mayhew will address the importance and challenges of support for early childhood programs.

Clair chairs the newly formed Maine Early Learning Investment Group, which brings together top business leaders who are dedicated to offering support for early childhood efforts statewide.

Cervone will introduce the Maine Children’s Growth Council’s report, Invest Early 2020: Building the Foundation for Maine’s Future, which outlines the critical need for high-quality early childhood programs in order to ensure Maine’s future prosperity. The reports states: “Promoting early childhood experiences that are nurturing, stable, and interactive for all young children regardless of income or where they live, and preventing adverse experiences, can lift us above the negative trends occurring in our economy.”

Child care professionals and early childhood advocates from all over Maine will meet with their legislators at the Hall of Flags to offer information and illustrate how investing in our youngest children pays off in the long run.

For more information, please contact:
Karen White
Team Leader, Maine Infant Toddler Initiative
(207) 749-7638
kwhite@usm.maine.edu

Donna Overcash
Child and Family Policy Consultant, Maine Children’s Growth Council
(207) 620-4030
donnaovercash@roadrunner.com

####

2012 begins with some great news here at the Maine Children’s Alliance! We are delighted to welcome Mary McPherson to our staff. Mary has long served as a key advisor and as a consultant to the Maine Children’s Alliance. We are very fortunate that the MCA will benefit even more with her on staff as Senior Policy Analyst.

Mary’s impressive resume includes decades of experience in health care, low income and women’s advocacy, leadership development, and communications. Mary has recently served MCA in several capacities, including founding the New England Consortium, a regional collaboration devoted to federal issues affecting children in poverty. She has also served as Health Policy Analyst and Public Education Director at Maine Equal Justice Project, Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby, and owner/manager of WAVX Radio in Rockland, among many other hats she has worn very well.

The MCA has come to rely upon Mary’s wisdom, judgment, and vision over the years. As Senior Policy Analyst for the organization, we stand to benefit even more. Most importantly, Maine children will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this terrific new addition to our staff. Please join us in welcoming Mary McPherson! Best wishes for the New Year to one and all!

Dear Friends:

It is a difficult time for so many people, young and old, here in Maine and across our great country. The difficult economy presents challenges for all of us. Now, more than ever, is a critical time to demonstrate support for our children, because they truly are in harm’s way, and are the future for all of us.

The numbers are alarming: 17% percent of children in Maine live in poverty, infant mortality rates have increased 29% from 2002-2007, and 31% of children live in homes where no parent has a year round, full time job. (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2011 Kids Count Data Book)

Our job at the Maine Children’s Alliance is to speak up for kids in Maine, and to advocate for sound public policies on their behalf. We focus on many issues, including health, education, economic security, and child safety. We produce the most respected and comprehensive research on children’s issues in the state, and our reports are critical in educating policy makers in Augusta and Washington.

Despite our challenges, we have made progress as a state. The death rate for children and teens is down, the teen birth rate is down, and the percent of teens that are not in school and not high school graduates is also down (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2011 Kids Count Data Book). There is so much more to do, always, and we need your help to meet the challenge for our children. Currently, Head Start, child care supports, immunization, and health care are on the chopping block at the State House in Augusta, and we are fighting back. Federal deficit reductions are critical to our future, and we are working to make sure our Congressional delegation supports a balanced approach that does not harm children. The magnitude of the challenges is huge, and our need is great.

Please donate to the Maine Children’s Alliance this season, as we continue our work on behalf of children in Maine. We will keep you updated on our efforts, and offer opportunities to take action to help kids. A donation of $100, $200, $500 or more would be greatly appreciated, as would any amount you may be able to spare. You can also join us as well as donate on-line and on Face book and Twitter by going to www.mekids.org! Thank you for your consideration and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

Sincerely,

G. Dean Crocker

President/CEO

AUGUSTA–Head Start promotes school readiness for children in low-income families by offering educational, nutritional,health, social and other services. Programs actively engage parents in their children’s learning and help them in making progress toward their educational, literacy and employment goals.

Judy Reidt-Parker discusses the findings released today in the 2011 Head Start Report.

This important program is currently threatened in the Governor’s proposed budget. “The proposal to eliminate state funding for Head Start in the Governor’s budget heads our state in the wrong direction,” said Judy Reidt-Parker, Early Childhood Policy Analyst at the Maine Children’s Alliance. “These cuts would result in Maine families having even less opportunity to build financial independence through employment or education. The old adage ‘pennywise but a pound foolish’ definitely applies when cutting early childhood programs.”

John Shoos of the United Way of Greater Portland speaks about the importance of Head Start in the community.

John Shoos of the United Way of Greater Portland highlighted the importance of the program to the community, saying “Head Start in Maine supports the current workforce by providing full day/full year services for low-income working parents, and supports the healthy growth and development of Maine’s future workforce.”

Scientific evidence and economic analysis have demonstrated that providing a child with a safe, healthy and nurturing early childhood experience results in significant positive outcomes later in that child’s life. When families are healthy, children do better in school, workers are more productive, and business can add jobs because their health costs are lower.

Head Start programs receive most of their funding directly from federal grants. Since 1983, Head Start programs have provided additional state funded services. In 1999, Head Start was included in the Fund for a Healthy Maine (FHM) allocation. Both of these state funding resources would be eliminated under the Governor’s proposed budget.

Angela, a Head Start parent, shares how vital the program has been to her family.

According to Kathy Colfer, Chair of the Maine Head Start Directors, “Both these streams of state funding are essential in order to maintain the current number of Head Start slots in Maine. A reduction in state funding would result in a significant loss of service to Maine families.”

Currently Maine has the capacity to serve only 29% of Head Start eligible children.

To access the report online, please click here.

For a print copy, call 623-1868, ext. 202.

For more information contact:

Judy Reidt-Parker, MCA Early Childhood Specialist
jreidtparker@mekids.org

(207) 623-1868 x.210

(207) 215-9556

Kathy Colfer, KVCAP Child & Family Services Director
kathyc@kvcap.org

(207) 859-1618

URGENT!!!

ATTENTION MAINE CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND SUPPORTERS:

MAINE KIDS ARE IN HARM’S WAY!!!

Stand with Maine Can Do Better and the Maine Children’s Alliance in the Hall of Flags at the State House

Wednesday, December 14^th at 10 AM

The Supplemental State Budget proposed by Governor LePage threatens vital services and supports for children, the elderly, disabled citizens, and low income Mainers.

Please join us in protecting Maine children by helping to fight back against these cuts!

1.  RALLY to Collectively Stand up in Opposition to these Proposals

When: Next week on Wednesday, December 14th at 10:00 am

Where: Hall of Flags, at the State House in Augusta

2.  TESTIFY AT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Public hearings are scheduled for next week, December 14, 15 and 16.  Topics are divided by  day.   Full details are available here.

3. SEND A POSTCARD – STOP THE CUTS:

Our friends at the Maine People’s Alliance have set up a site where you can send a free postcard to Appropriations Committee members.  Please click here to send a postcard now.

Among the long list of devastating cuts are:

• Young Children: The elimination of all state funding for the Head Start Program, which will force programs across the state to cut hundreds of children from the program. Head Start provides early care and education, as well as health, nutrition, mental health, social and family support to low-income families with children from prenatal to five years old.
• Child Care: Cuts almost half of all funding for the Child Care Subsidy Program. This will lead to a deep cut in the availability of child care support for working low-income people. The child care subsidy program helps parents with low incomes to afford the child care they need in order to work.
• Working Parents: The complete elimination of eligibility for MaineCare for approximately 21,000 parents between 100% and 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). (This proposal would also give DHHS the authority to lower parent coverage to 51% FPL without going back to the Legislature in the future.)
• Young Adults: The complete elimination of MaineCare coverage for over 7,000 young adults (age 19 and 20) under 150% of the federal poverty level.
• Seniors and Childless Adults: Approximately 72,000 seniors and people with disabilities would lose some or all assistance they currently receive to pay for Medicare and/or prescription drug costs. In addition, the cuts include the complete elimination of MaineCare coverage for non-disabled adults between the ages of 21 and 64 without children living at home living under the federal poverty level (known in the Program as so-called non-categoricals).
• Other cuts to services for children and families including:
  • Cut the Family Reunification Program that keeps families intact and housed;
  • Cut the funding for Wrap-Around ME that assists children (ages 5-18) with serious emotional or behavioral issues;
  • Cut the Alternative Response Program that provides case management for children at risk of abuse or neglect;
  • Cut Crisis Services for people experiencing mental health-related crises; and
  • Cut services for children with serious emotional or behavioral issues living in residential settings.

A fuller list of the cuts can be found on Maine Equal Justice Partners website here.

(We understand that some of these proposals may change. This preliminary analysis is based on the language of the printed supplemental budget presented December 6, 2011.)

Please make every effort to join us in making our voices heard and help stop the attacks on the most vulnerable among us, our children.  We look forward to seeing folks next week! We will keep you posted as the budget debate continues.

Thank you!