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Guest Editor's Note
Regarding the recovery package, child advocates
and state leaders might heed the warning "be careful what you wish for, it may
come true." As the federal Treasury sends billions of dollars out to states and communities,
we can see a lot of opportunities but also a big challenge. Maintaining the
public's trust and support will require hard work, integrity and good judgment
to spend the money quickly AND wisely -- it needs to reach those who need it,
jumpstart the economy and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
The recovery package is just the first bite of the apple. President
Obama will give Congress his budget proposal on February 26 for the upcoming
fiscal year. In past years, many programs have seen no changes in their funding, so
the pressure is on to adjust funding to current needs.
So what's an ordinary person to do? Check out where the new
dollars are available to help families and youth in your community. For
example, our Grants and Funding section has information on how new dollars
might be available for summer programs.
And stay in touch with federal lawmakers to ensure that the
upcoming budget keeps a focus on the needs of children and youth.
While you're at it, check out what's working to help young people stay on track and finish school prepared for 21st century careers -- including a powerful youth-written story of how a school in Philadelphia made all the difference for one teen (see Youth Voices below).
Jan Richter, CFK Update Editor Emeritus
jan@connectforkids.org
CFK gathers, synthesizes and promotes the best news, research, and stories from the child and youth field. To suggest content, email weekly@connectforkids.org
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New on Connectforkids.org
Obama Signs "Largest Investment in Education in the Nation's History"
The economic recovery bill, signed into law by President Obama on February 17,
includes nearly $100 Billion for the U.S. Department of Education. That's less
than the original House bill asked for, but more than twice last year's federal
education funding, as the Alliance for Excellent Education reports.
Spotlight on "The Cost of Doing Nothing" -- and How Advocates Can Avoid Not Doing Enough
In Hershel Sarbin's latest blog post, he looks at a recent First Focus report, The Cost of Doing Nothing, that "offers a stunning analysis of the long-term impact of the current recession on child poverty and our nation as a whole. So is anyone really paying attention? And what can advocates do to drive home the issue -- and the solutions?"
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Getting the Recovery & Budget on Track
Recovery: What's In It?
Several organizations have a breakdown of what the recovery package will look like for education, early childhood and a host of other child and youth issues.
On child care and families:  The Center on Law and Social Policy is offering weekly audioconferences detailing provisions in the recovery package that aid
low-income families. The first one, "Child Care and Education for Working
Families," will take place on February 25 at 1 pm EST.
 On education:
- The Carnegie Foundation will have a conference call February 27, 12 pm EST with Mike Smith, senior advisor to the Education Secretary, on the implementation of the education funds.
- Edweek examines how the more than $100 billion for education
 is divided up in the recovery package. (You must sign in to read the article)
- NAEYC looks at early childhood education opportunities.
Line Items for Children and Youth in the Federal Budget
Every year, the president proposes a federal budget plan, which Congress uses as a roadmap to create the official federal budget. President Obama's is expected to be released on February 26.
Congressional Budget Staff to Talk about Budget
On February 27 at 3 pm EST, Families USA will have a conference call with Congressional budget staff about what's in the President's
budget and the next steps for Congress.
 Children's Budget Data
First Focus has a new Web site where you can find customized information on more than 160 federally funded programs that benefit children
and families.
Every Child Matters Calls for Closing Investment Gap
Federal dollars comprise the overwhelming majority of
spending on children's health, social services and income security programs in
every state. This Homeland Insecurity report makes the case for closing the
'investment gap' in federal spending on children. |
Families Struggling in Tough Times
 Working Family Budgets Can Be Stretched Too Thin
It's 2009; do you know what it takes for parents to pay for housing, child
care, health care and transportation? It's more than a full-time minimum wage job
and far more than the official poverty rate, reports The National Center for
Children in Poverty.
Welfare Aid Isn't Growing as Economy Drops Off
The current recession is exposing TANF's weakness as a safety net: the number
of jobless people getting cash assistance remains at its lowest level in 40
years and 18 states actually cut their welfare rolls last year, according to
the New York Times.
Brave New Welfare
Mother Jones' reporter Stephanie Mencimer claims that some
states have aggressively pushed thousands of eligible mothers off TANF to use
the savings elsewhere in the state budget.
Infants and Toddlers in Recent Immigrant Families Most at Risk
Child Trends reports that infants and toddlers of recently
immigrated parents, often with limited English, are most at risk for not having
enough food.
 Snapshots from the Kitchen Table: Family Budgets and Health Care
In last night's address, President Obama pledged to reform the U.S. health care system. This Kaiser Foundation report from interviews with real families finds that amidst pervasive uncertainty over job security and household budgets ill-equipped to cope with unexpected costs, many families, even some with health insurance, are forgoing doctor visits, skipping prescription medications and postponing needed care. |
Youth Voices
A School that Saved my Life
A graduate of YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School talks about how her school
gave her a second chance to succeed.
Torn Apart
From living with a mother consumed by her drug addiction to
living on the streets, three siblings relied on each other for love and care.
After ups and downs in foster care, the oldest was cut off from contact with
his younger siblings through a closed adoption. His eloquence bespeaks a decade
of heartbreak.
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Keeping Kids in Schools
Keeping Kids in School
The America's
Promise Alliance has released its updated edition of Grad Nation, a
comprehensive guidebook with supporting tools on the best evidence-based
practices on keeping students in school, graduating and prepared for
college.
Chronic Absenteeism in Early Grades
An estimated one in ten are absent from
school every day in the early grades. This recorded Coalition for Community
Schools webinar reports on New York and Baltimore.
Connecticut Governor Proposes "Middle College" System
The Hartford Courant reports on a budget proposal to merge Connecticut's
technical high schools with community colleges, giving 10,000 technical school
students free college training.
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Jan Richter and Thaddeus Ferber
Connect for Kids and the Forum for Youth Investment
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