Earth Notes
(2009-08-17)
ANN ARBOR, MI
(Michigan Radio) -
Kids would be among the hardest hit by budget cuts to early childhood programs proposed to close Michigan's growing budget deficit. The cuts could have long-term effects on child health and educational development.
Deana Strudwick is with the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.
She says it's more critical than ever to provide help for kids when a bad economy and widespread job losses are pinching more family incomes.
"I've worked for public health, mental health and now in education, and I've watched our community become more at-risk and see people with greater needs and less resources," Strudwick said.
A poll released by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation says 75 percent of Michigan voters consider it "extremely" or "very" important to spare children from the budget wrangling in Lansing. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio
