Kids program awards grants despite uncertainty

Jul 19, 2010 — East Valley Tribune

Michelle Reese

Jul. 19, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Four months before a ballot initiative could sweep away the funds, grants are being awarded to programs designed to help Arizona's youngest children.

It's unclear whether what money will still be there after Election Day.

First Things First, operated by the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board, was created in 2006 after voters approved an 80-cent tax on each pack of cigarettes sold to raise funds designated for early childhood learning and health care.

In the last two years, the money has gone to fund programs that pay for children's teeth cleanings, support for their parents, scholarships for child care, early childhood teacher training and more.

If voters approve Proposition 302 on the Nov. 6 ballot, the tax would continue but the money would go into the state's general fund, where it's unclear which children's programs will remain or be funded.

The ballot measure states lawmakers will use it to fund existing departments that pay for health programs and other services for children.

The issue was put on the ballot by lawmakers seeking funds to help the state's economic crisis and its multi-billion dollar revenue shortfall.

Because voters created the program, lawmakers must seek voter-approval to change where the funds go and who controls them.

Since the tax began in 2007, more than $537 million has been collected, about $130 million a year.

With awards going out last year, the fund balance as of May 26 was $420.6 million. Regional councils made up of volunteers decide what programs are awarded funds. In the last fiscal year, which ended June 30, $107 million in grants were awarded.

Already, more than $100 million in grants have been awarded for the current fiscal year, which began July 1.

The Mesa Unified School District was recently awarded $866,700 to provide a free pre-kindergarten program to low-income families in an effort to better prepare children for school.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community received $227,000 to deliver parent education, provide home visits by health care personnel, and enrich native language instruction.

Terri Duhart is regional coordinator for the Southwest Maricopa Regional Partnership Council, which includes Mesa, Gilbert and areas of Queen Creek that are in Maricopa County.

Duhart said her council decided to put a focus on helping parents.

One grant was awarded to six groups to provide home visits to parents of newborns in an effort to answer questions about sleeping patterns, developmental issues and more.

Research shows most of a child's brain is developed by age 5.

During home visits, providers educate parents about what that means for them and their newborns and how they can encourage proper development.

"It's exciting that we're able to get services out to families," she said.

First Things First spokeswoman Liz Alvarez Barker said that's exactly why First Things First was created.

"The positive experiences a child has with a variety of adults really lays that foundation that helps a child be ready and healthy when they arrive at kindergarten. We expect a lot out of kindergartners. This is one of the most critical investments we can make," she said.

Programs such as these could stop immediately after the November vote if Prop. 302 passes, Alvarez Barker said.

The initiative says that on Dec. 1, any remaining funds are swept into the state's general fund.

"We can't estimate what the fund balance would be at the time of the election because we don't know how much will come in from new tax revenues between now and then, and we receive billings from our service contracts all the time and make payments for those services provided to children and families, so the balance is constantly changing," Alvarez Baker said.

Once awarded a grant, groups start their programs then submit reports that list the costs and show that they're meeting the guidelines set forth by First Things First. Some submit bills and reports monthly. Others may submit quarterly.

Once those have been reviewed, First Things First sends out grant money.

There is still a battle before the November vote.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Robert Oberbillig has scheduled a hearing later this month to decide if there is an issue with the language on the ballot measure.

Attorneys for the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board asked for the legal ruling because they say the language misrepresents how much of the funds are used for administrative costs.

Because the board is a state entity, supporters created www.savingfirstthingsfirst.org, with major funding from the Arizona School Boards Association and Eddie and Nadine Basha.

According to the website, First Things First has allocated nearly $300 million to programs that have impacted 330,000 children across Arizona.

Capitol Media Services contributed to this report.

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