Democratic AZ Governor; Designee for Secretary of Homeland Security
Reform and additional funds for Child Protective Services
Our most basic obligation to our children must be to ensure their safety, and that starts with a well-supported, well-run Child Protective Services. We wrapped up a productive special session, from which came sweeping procedural reform and additional
funds to ensure that CPS has the resources it needs to investigate every reported case of abuse or neglect. CPS was empowered to hire more investigators, and existing employees were given long overdue pay increases.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Investment for fewer abuse and neglect cases
Child Protective Services is now in a position to respond to emergencies, but the bigger challenge is preventing abuse before it escalates into a tragedy. The Legislature was right to establish Healthy Families in 1994, and it is time to build on this
success story. My 2005 budget will contain a recommendation to double the Healthy Families budget, from $7.25 to $14.5 million. This relatively small investment promises big dividends-safer children, more capable parents, and fewer abuse & neglect cases.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Establish a quality childcare rating system
We will work with private childcare providers and government agencies to establish a quality childcare rating system, identify tools and resources to meet standards of quality, and prepare information for parents to adequately evaluate those centers.
I have asked the School Readiness Board to find new sources of public and private funding to help childcare providers ensure that they have adequate facilities and curricula to properly stimulate children’s development.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Resources to childcare assistance for low-income families
Parents cannot support their children if they don’t work, and many cannot work without assistance with the cost of childcare. We make an investment in our children when we support quality childcare assistance for working parents who need it.
We must devote more resources to childcare assistance for low-income working parents. My budget recommendation will include an additional $24 million to substantially reduce the number of families waiting for assistance.
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to Arizona Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
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