By Susie Huhn

Executive Director

As we turn our attention toward the election on November 2, Casa de los Niños is focused on one issue and one simple thought. The issue is Proposition 302. The thought:  “Just say no!” 

 I have no doubt the merits of this proposition will be distorted in the weeks ahead, but it is really a simple matter.

 Four years ago, Arizonans voted to impose an 80-cent sales tax on cigarettes and cigars with the proceeds used to help children.  

 Today, our governor and state legislature would like to reverse that decision – and seize those funds – in a desperate attempt to ease a budget crisis they themselves created.  They call it Proposition 302 and its passage would have a disastrous effect on Arizona’s children.

 Arizona is already listed as one of the most dangerous states in the country for kids. We are among the national “leaders” in areas such as poor living conditions, poor diets, teen pregnancies, school dropout rates, and teen violence. 

So instead of looking for ways to help children, we are being asked to eliminate a program that has helped 330,000 kids in the last three years. Really?

 Tobacco-tax revenue is distributed by a new state agency called First Things First. Its No. l priority has been to establish and support programs that promote pre-school education and health. By all accounts, these programs are making a difference. Kids who are prepared for their first day of school do better in school. They stay in school. They get jobs when they leave school.

 Here at Casa de los Niños, three important programs are funded by First Things First and the tobacco tax initiative. One is our Nurse-Family Partnership, which sends registered nurses into the homes of first-time-pregnant, low-income moms. Another is our Raising Healthy Kids program, which provides in-home support for low-income families with young children. The third is called Smart Support, which helps childcare centers see and understand behavioral problems in children.

 Together, these programs cost about $2 million a year. They are funded entirely by First Things First. They will be eliminated if voters decide to eliminate First Things First.

 Personally, I am troubled by the whole idea of Proposition 302. Four years ago, we all voted to help Arizona’s kids. Today, the governor and legislature are telling us we made a mistake. They are asking us to change our minds. Really?

 Casa de los Niños asks that you Just Say “No!” on Proposition 302.