Advocacy & Education

Wear this button to remind legislators to ask: "is it good for our children?" when making budget decisions.

Our only agenda is children.

Every day, our elected officials make policy and fiscal decisions that impact the more than 480,000 children who live in Santa Clara County. Kids in Common monitors the issues these policymakers are facing and speaks out to ensure that children’s interests are taken seriously. Because we don’t receive government funding, we do not have to worry about being perceived as acting in our own self-interest. Policymakers know our only agenda is children.

State Budget Process

FY 2009 Governor's Budget - Is it Good For Santa Clara County Children?

In order to address a $15.2 billion budget deficit, the Governor has proposed a budget focused on cuts to many safety net services that help children and families including cuts to Medi-Cal, child welfare serives, foster care, CalWORKS and child care and education. In June, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved the Fiscal Year 2008-09 budget that addressed a $172.4 million county budget deficit. In October, the Board of Supervisors plan to reopen budget discussions in order to address a potential shortfall of $74.7 million dollars created by the State spending cuts. Kids in Common is encouraging our legislators to reject a "cuts only budget" and find a middle ground that is good for Santa Clara County's children and families.

The State budget is still being negotiated and letters can make a difference.

Write a letter to your Elected Officials.

Sample Letter #1: Support our Needy Children with Your Vote in the Budget {provided by Our Children, Our Duty, Our Future}

Sample Letter #2: Semi-Annual Reporting Would Increase Costs to Taxpayers and Push A Quarter Million Eligible and Enrolled Children off MediCal {provided by 100% Campaign}

Sample Letter #3 Support First 5 California Children and Families Commission {provided by FIRST 5 Santa Clara County}