2012 Precinct Caucuses: Family Economic Security Act Resolution
Election season is upon us again and precinct caucuses will be held this coming Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 at 7:00 pm. Exercise your civic right to participate in our democracy by attending your caucus. CLICK HERE to find more information about where your caucus will be held.

TAKE ACTION: Stand up for children at your precinct caucus. iCAN is asking that our members introduce a resolution asking that lawmakers enact the Family Economic Security Act, which would reduce poverty in Minnesota through proven methods including, increasing the minimum wage, fully funding child care assistance programs, and increasing tax credits for low-income families with dependent children. 

See below for the Resolution Language: 

Short Version:

Whereas, the recent report issued by the Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 contained research-based, bi-partisan recommendations;

Whereas, Minnesota's poverty rate is increasing;

Whereas, Minnesota's childhood poverty rate now stands at 15.2%;

BE IT RESOLVED that Minnesota lawmakers enact the Family Economic Security Act which increases family income and supports child well-being by raising the state minimum wage, fully funding and expanding eligibility for child care assistance, and creating a state version of the Child Tax Credit.

Long Version:

Whereas, Minnesotans want all families to thrive and be economically secure;

Whereas, economic insecurity can impede a child’s health, development, educational outcomes, and ability to succeed;

Whereas, 192,000 Minnesota children are living in poverty ($22,350 annual household income for a family of four), including 81,400 children who are living in deep poverty ($11,175 annual household income for a family of four);

Whereas, approximately three-fourths of Minnesota families living in poverty have all available parents in the workforce;

Whereas, work doesn’t pay enough to provide basic needs for many hard working Minnesota parents;

Whereas, it would take an average salary of $58,363 or $14.03 per hour per worker for a family of four to meet basic needs – an amount much higher than the current minimum wage;

Whereas, full-time, stable employment is not possible for many families without assistance to help pay for child care;

Whereas, the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is not fully funded and more than 7,000 Minnesota families are on a waiting list to receive CCAP subsidies to help pay for child care so parents can work;

Whereas, the 2009 final report released by the Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by 2020 contained research-based recommendations on ending poverty, including raising the minimum wage, expanding and increasing state income tax credits to reach more households and better supplement low wages, and guaranteeing child care for all low-income families;

BE IT RESOLVED that Minnesota lawmakers enact the Family Economic Security Act which increases family income and supports child well-being by raising the state minimum wage, fully funding and expanding eligibility for child care assistance, and creating a state version of the Child Tax Credit.

With child poverty in Minnesota on the rise, and the recession impacting children at disproportionate rates, now more than ever it is crucial that we work with our legislators to ensure that our children are protected in the legislative process.

This past session, in the face of a $5 billion budget deficit, tough cuts were made to programs that support vulnerable children. In the next year we will be working with community partners to enact legislation that will mobilize families to ensure child wellbeing.

TAKE ACTION NOW to inform your elected leaders that the rise in child poverty in Minnesota is unacceptable. Organize a Children's Sabbath action that your congregation can participate in this year. Below are resources you can use, including a POSTCARD that you can print and send.

NEW MATERIALS!

• NEW iCAN Children's Sabbath Bulletin Insert
• NEW iCAN Children's Sabbath Factsheet
• NEW iCAN Children's Sabbath Advocacy Postcard
• Tips for a Successful Children's Sabbath
• iCAN Legislative Agenda
• Children's Sabbath Webinar Materials

This year the Children's Sabbath weekend is October 21-23, but you congregation can participate whenever is best for your faith community. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have questions, and please let me know what you are planning!

Tell the Legislature and Governor to Stop Cuts to Kids

On May 23, the State Legislature adjourned with no agreement on the budget with the Governor. The Governor’s budget relies on nearly $1 billion in income taxes from the top 5% of income tax filers. The legislature’s budget makes deep and draconian cuts to our state’s infrastructure, leaving hardly any part of the budget untouched.

Most troubling, the legislature’s Health and Human Services bill specifically made deep cuts affecting children and families, including:

• A significant cut to children’s mental health services and children’s protection under the Children and Community Services Act, totaling over $24 million and affecting 51,000 children per year;
• Children's Mental Health Screening grants were cut by $3.8 million, impacting 4,500 children per year;
• The Indian Children Welfare Act, intended to be child protection services for American Indian families, was cut by $1.5 million and then transferred to R21 grants, affecting 1,400 children per year;
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) cut reimbursement levels $26.8 million, impacting 22,000 families per year;
• The Basic Sliding Fee Child Care Assistance program was cut $5 million, affecting 500 families per year;
• Meanwhile, Child Care Resource and Referral Grants, provided to agencies that help families find quality child care, was cut by $1.5 million.

Yet if we all do our part, Minnesota has enough resources to prevent cuts that threaten our children’s well-being. It’s time for Minnesota’s elected officials to find a compromise. Our public officials need to hear the message loud and clear: cutting children’s services in Minnesota is a risk for our state, and it is the wrong decision.

Here are two resources for your use: first, a sample letter to your legislator urging him or her to protect the future of our children. Second, you will find a postcard template, which you can print on cardstock, cut, and use for your congregation, community, family, or friends to send to their own legislators.

Your voice can make a difference! Speak up now to protect the vital services our state provides to Minnesota’s families.

Click here for contact information for your legislators!

Check out the slides below for more details about the cuts that are being proposed and how they will effect the children of Minnesota.

Click here to hear an audio recording of our Key Advocate webinar for more information about the slides.