By Susie Huhn

Executive Director

With Election Day behind us and Thanksgiving Day at hand, I can connect the two by saying “Thank You!” for rejecting Proposition 302 on November 2. I can’t remember the last time voters spoke with such a loud, clear voice. It is as if the only people who supported the measure were the legislators who placed it on the ballot!

 Proponents of Proposition 302 received only 30 per cent of all votes cast. Their proposal did not carry a single county. It was a crushing defeat for the politicians who saw Proposition 302 as a quick fix to the state’s budget crisis.

 Proposition 302 would have enabled the Governor and state legislature to seize tobacco tax revenues earmarked for early childhood development programs in Arizona. It would have eliminated First Things First, the agency created to collect and distribute those funds to programs helping our children. It would have abandoned tens of thousands of kids whose health and safety are ensured by these programs.    

 Fortunately, the voters just said “no.” They took a stand for their children, and we at Casa de los Niños can’t thank them enough. It was a good day for all of us who are committed to helping kids. There was a lot to smile about on November 2. By the following morning, though, the experience had become a “good news, bad news” thing.

 The good news, of course, was the rejection of Proposition 302. The bad news? Since Gov. Brewer and the legislature had “balanced” the state’s 2010-11 budget by assuming Propositions 301 and 302 both would carry, the state now has a budget deficit of $750 million.

 Another round of devastating budget cuts could easily be ahead for our educational, healthcare and human service agencies.

 So for all of you who supported the children on November 2, please keep an eye on what happens in Phoenix in the next few months. Chances are the kids will need you again soon!