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Statement by Shay Bilchik, President/CEO, Child Welfare League of America on the President's State of the Union Address
A New Vision for America's Children
1/20/2004
Washington, DC - Inspired by the President's call for a new vision for space exploration, the Child Welfare League of America calls on the President and Congress to give the same daring, discipline, ingenuity, and unity in pursuit of a new vision for America's children - one that ensures their health, safety, and well-being.
America is a land of risk takers and visionaries. We have a long and proud tradition of tackling difficult problems and issues. The dire needs of children are now among the greatest challenges confronting this country. We must meet the future head-on by dedicating our time, talent, and resources to build on our values and, once and for all, make children a national priority.
Just as the President called for a new course for America's space program, let us also set a new course for the future of America's children - a course that will ensure every child grows up healthy, happy, and safe. All across this country, far too many of our children are not safe and secure in their homes. The question is, do we as a nation have a vision of a brighter future for our children? How are we going to translate this vision into action? How are we going to chart a new way to meet the needs of our nation's children?
The dedicated professionals who work with children and families in the day care centers, schools, health care facilities, community centers, and social services agencies in communities across this country cannot do this vital work without the necessary tools and supports. Only through a new and creative vision of truly making children a national priority will our federal and state governments, working together, reach new frontiers in meeting the basic needs of our children.
If our nation's leaders are sincere in their belief that our children are our future, then we must invest in programs that protect children from being abused and neglected, provide children with essential services such as health care and child care, and ensure that every child receives a quality education.
This year, the President is proposing to give $1 billion to increase NASA's budget for a new space initiative, an amount that is likely only the beginning. That same commitment must be made to our nation's children. Last year, the President repeatedly promised to increase funding by $1 billion over five years for the premier federal prevention and support program for abused and neglected children, the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program, yet, the program's funding was frozen in 2004. In addition, overall discretionary spending for child welfare services, including funding for adoption incentives, was cut. If we can commit to putting an American on Mars, we should also commit to educating our children, lifting them out of poverty, meeting their basic needs, and ensuring their safety.
With a new vision and focus on America's children, we believe that steady progress can be made - one child, one family, one community at a time. As the President and the Congress begin to make decisions on this year's funding priorities, we urge them to venture forth on a new path for children and act in their best interest. Our children are our future and deserve nothing less.
Established in 1920, the Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. Headquartered in Washington, DC, CWLA strives to advance sound public policy on behalf of the more than three million abused, neglected, and vulnerable children served by its 1,182 public and private member agencies.
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