MISSOURI NEWS
Partnership for Children’s 2009 Policy Agenda
We’ve made our list. We’ve checked it twice. And in 2009, nothing but making children and youth Missouri’s highest priority will suffice!
Partnership for Children’s MO policy agenda for 2009 includes several legislative and budget initiatives to promote children’s health, safety, and education, including:
-
outreach for the state children’s health program;
-
promoting healthy lifestyles to combat childhood obesity;
-
expanding access to safe, quality, and affordable child care;
-
and reducing high school drop-outs.
View PFC’s complete 2009 agenda online.
back to top
KANSAS NEWS
State Plans to Cut HealthWave
According to a new report from Families USA, "A Painful Recession: States Cut Health Care Safety Net Programs," the Kansas Health Policy Authority announced that it plans to cut $3.6 million from the state children's health insurance program, known as HealthWave, to close a mid-year gap for FY 2009. However, since that announcement was made, the Authority has been reviewing its budget and may announce additional cuts. The Authority and Governor Sebelius are currently working on a specific plan to achieve sufficient spending reductions.
back to top
NATIONAL NEWS
Families USA Report-A Painful Recession
During an economic recession, Medicaid and the state children's health insurance program are vital in providing millions of low-income families with the health care they need. Many programs are in jeopardy despite the growing need as more and more families lose their jobs and subsequently their healthcare. The new report entitled, “A Painful Recession: States Cut Health Safety Net Programs,” also spotlights the growing need for increasing the federal matching funds – known as the Federal Medicaid Matching Payments or FMAP – in the Medicaid program. Increasing FMAP will allow Missouri and Kansas to meet the growing need for health care while boosting the state’s economy. Under the economic recovery package introduced by Sen. Harry Reid, Missouri could receive up to an additional $807 million in federal Medicaid matching funds; Kansas could get $244 million.
An increase in federal funding for Medicaid through a temporary increase in the federal matching rate will have a measurable effect on business activity, jobs, and wages in every state in the country. The findings from Missouri and Kansas can be found below.
Economic Impact of Additional Federal Support in Kansas and Missouri
| |
Missouri |
Kansas |
| Business Activity |
$1,409,200,000 |
$403,900,000 |
| Jobs |
13,200 |
4,100 |
| Wages |
$461,700,000 |
$137,200,000 |
back to top
Report Estimates Cost of Child Poverty
A new report by First Focus entitled “The Cost of Doing Nothing: The Economic Impact of Recession-Induced Child Poverty” estimates that the current economic downturn will cause an additional 2.6 to 3.3 million children to fall into poverty. In the long term, this rise in poverty will mean an economic loss of $1.7 trillion over the lifetime of these children, or $35 billion per year. Research indicates that children who spend more than half of their childhood in poverty earn, on average, 39% less than the median income. Furthermore, a poor child loses approximately a quarter of a million dollars worth of “health quality” over the course of their lifetime.
back to top
UPCOMING EVENTS
KC Area Forum to Discuss Health Care
The new incoming Secretary for Health & Human Services has made a national call for health policy discussions in cities across America for the month of December. Any issues related to attendees’ health care will be open for discussion. This event will also discuss preemptive solutions to avoid massive health costs down the road, as well as more immediate problems local residents are having with healthcare affordability and accessibility.
When: Saturday, December 20th
Time: 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Where: City of Shawnee Community Center
13817 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS (just west of the intersection of Johnson Drive and Pflumm)
Who: All local Johnson County/Kansas City area residents, as well as local health care professionals
Contact: Bill Douglas at 913/648.2256 or wtcgd2000@aol.com
back to top
Online Webinar to Discuss Missouri Quality Rating System
If you missed yesterday’s briefings on the Missouri Quality Rating System in Kansas City, the MO Head Start Association is offering a webinar in January so you can still learn everything you need to know about QRS! The webinar will take an in-depth look at the QRS state approved models and discuss how child care program staff can prepare for future participation in QRS.
Webinar on MO Quality Rating System
January 8, 2009
9:30 – 11:30 am (CST)
Presenters: Denise Mauzy, OPEN Initiative and Kathy Thornburg, Center for Family Policy and Research
Space is limited, so register to participate in this online webinar today.
Missouri is moving forward with a 5-star Quality Rating System to rate early childhood and school-age programs. QRS will provide families with an additional method to choose quality child care, it will provide legislators and community partners with an accountability mechanism, and it will give professionals a comprehensive assessment of their program with clearly identified strengths and areas for improvement.
back to top
RSVP for Child Advocacy Day – January 27th
Join hundreds of child advocates in Jefferson City on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 for the 27th annual Child Advocacy Day. Come show your support for better public policies to support children, youth, and families! Participate in advocacy workshops, visit exhibit booths to learn about new services and programs, discuss critical issues affecting children with legislators, and network with other advocates.
Whether you’re planning on attending by yourself or in a group, RSVP online, so we can better plan for the day’s activities and keep you informed!
For more information, visit the Child Advocacy Day website, or for bus transportation from Kansas City, check out the Kansas City Local Investment Commission.
back to top
IN THE NEWS:
Obama's $10b Promise Stirs Hope in Early Education
New York Times. Despite the recession, Mr. Obama has emphasized his interest in making strategic investments in early childhood education. Asked if the financial troubles might force him to scale back, Jen Psaki, a spokeswoman for the transition, said, "We simply cannot afford to sideline key priorities like education. Read the full story>>>
Purgason wants lower taxes, citizens' choice
Springfield News-Leader. Sen. Chuck Purgason says spreading the tax burden can only be achieved by untangling a tax code that creates winners and losers through various tax breaks and government subsidies. As a Republican member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Purgason said it's his goal during the upcoming legislative session to "totally redo our tax credits" system. Read the full story >>>
Kansas daycare closed after video shows children tied to chairs
Kansas City Star. An Abilene child care center has been closed after video footage showed toddlers tied to chairs, one child flung against a wall and another child stuck under a sink for not being quiet during nap time. Read the full story >>>
Nixon starts laying groundwork for Missouri state budget cuts
Kansas City Star. Nixon announced a five-point plan to review state expenditures a day after his top budget adviser projected a $342 million shortfall in the current fiscal year’s budget, resulting from an economic downturn “like none that we have ever seen in the past.” Read the full story >>>
