Phoenix – “I greatly appreciate today’s prompt attention and action of the leadership and members of the Arizona House and the Arizona Senate to approve an important Arizona childcare program for the working poor. As a result of my signature on the legislation tonight, the program will continue with federal stimulus dollars and working parents will be able to keep their jobs and their childcare without interruption.
“When I spoke to a joint session of the legislature last week, I described my strong support for the utilization of specific federal stimulus funds to continue childcare service subsidization that allows working parents just above the federal poverty level to continue working. Rejection of these federal funds would prevent many working parents from continuing their employment. These particular federal stimulus funds, as approved by the United States Congress and the President, cannot be used for any other purpose. State funding for the childcare program was reduced in the 2009 state budget update as approved in late January, to close what was then a $1.6 billion state budget deficit.
“It is now critically important that the legislature continue its efforts to update and improve the fiscal 2009 state budget, as well as proceed with a sustainable 2010 state budget. I strongly believe that these efforts must be fiscally prudent and responsible, and not simply prolong or grow our state budget crisis. Any 2010 budget must consider the long-term health of Arizona’s economy and state budget, and fulfill my goal of growing our current employers while recruiting new employers from other states and nations.”
“When I spoke to a joint session of the legislature last week, I described my strong support for the utilization of specific federal stimulus funds to continue childcare service subsidization that allows working parents just above the federal poverty level to continue working. Rejection of these federal funds would prevent many working parents from continuing their employment. These particular federal stimulus funds, as approved by the United States Congress and the President, cannot be used for any other purpose. State funding for the childcare program was reduced in the 2009 state budget update as approved in late January, to close what was then a $1.6 billion state budget deficit.
“Today, the legislature voted overwhelmingly in agreement
with the proposal to utilize these federal childcare funds, and I commend the actions by the substantial majority of votes that approved the measure.
“It is now critically important that the legislature continue its efforts to update and improve the fiscal 2009 state budget, as well as proceed with a sustainable 2010 state budget. I strongly believe that these efforts must be fiscally prudent and responsible, and not simply prolong or grow our state budget crisis. Any 2010 budget must consider the long-term health of Arizona’s economy and state budget, and fulfill my goal of growing our current employers while recruiting new employers from other states and nations.”
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