Wednesdays4Kids February 17

--Carol Bellamy

Policy Update from the Capitol: Governor’s Budget and Children
On Monday Governor Pawlenty released his supplemental budget proposal, which includes deep cuts to child care funding and many other spending programs. In an attempt to balance a $1.2 billion deficit, $6.4 was proposed to be cut from child care and education in 2011 and would expand to $26.2 in the next biennium.

According to Child Care WORKS, proposed child care cuts include reductions in Basic Sliding Fee grants by 5% on July 1, 2010 and a 5% reduction in the maximum Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) rate, effective in March 2011. More detailed information will be presented at the Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division meeting on Thursday, February 18 please consider attending if you are available.

We will also be keeping an eye on the bonding bill, which funds capital and construction projects in Minnesota. The House and Senate both recently passed versions of a bonding bill that include $2 million funding for Early Childhood facilities and a joint conference committee will negotiate a bill that will be sent to the Governor. In the past Governor Pawlenty has line-item vetoed funding for early childhood facilities and with budget concerns everything is on the line.

For more information, check out Ready 4 K's statement on the Governor's proposed budget.   

April Campaign to End Child Abuse and Neglect
April is approaching quickly, which means that iCAN will be participating in a month long campaign. We will be working with our partner, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota to raise awareness about and advocate for policies that protect against child abuse and neglect.

Are you interested in helping your congregation be a part of the campaign? iCAN will be making materials available for order, including Blue Ribbon Stickers and Parenting Survival cards, of which we have limited stock. If you are interested in receiving materials please email Rachel at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and let me know how many stickers and cards your congregation would like by March 15th.

Advocate in Person: JRLC Day on the Hill
JRLC Day on the Hill 2010 will be March 25 and registration in now available. Click here for easy online registration. This year the theme is Justice We Pursue.

This year we will be acknowledging one of our Key Advocates in the rotunda during our Interfaith Social Justice Awards ceremony. Please join us to celebrate the great work that this year’s recipient and all of our Key Advocates are doing. If you are interested in learning more about the Key Advocate program or know someone who would be great for the position, please visit the Key Advocate section of our website.

Stay Connected: iCAN on Facebook
Be a Fan of iCAN on Facebook for current information on events, news and advocacy opportunities. Don’t forget to tell your friends to be fans too!