This week’s blog is co-written by Candace McCaffery and Roya Irvani.  Candace is Senior VP, Director of Interactive Services & Social Media at Cookerly Public Relations. Roya is a community volunteer. Candace and Roya serve on the Families First Board of Directors and are the co-chairs of Families First’s Advocacy Committee.

Two weeks ago, the Georgia General Assembly opened its second year of a two-year term. As chairs of the Advocacy Committee for Families First, we’ll be watching the many pieces of legislation that could impact families and children. Above all else, the shrinking state budget will again dominate the session.  After seeing state revenues continue to decline, Governor Perdue has proposed large additional cuts in already strained programs.  The state is in a fiscal crisis—not just because of this recession – but also because Georgia hasn’t faced up to the reality that we are not marshaling the resources we need for essential services and are laboring under an antiquated tax code.

Proposed cuts to education, public health and other human services are disturbing enough when viewed as one-time reductions, taken at a time when the need is greatest. But the reality is these are not simply one-time cuts. Deep reductions have been taken year after year for the better part of the last decade. Even more alarming is the fact that the current budget crisis would be even worse without the federal stimulus funds that are plugging some holes, and those funds will expire soon. Then what?

We cannot go on like this.  Georgia’s leaders need to plan strategically, and it is incumbent on all of us to make sure they do. Many states have used the breather afforded by the federal stimulus to address their deficits longer-term, using a combination of cuts and increased revenues.  Georgia has not. Our state has relied almost exclusively on service cuts and has continued granting tax breaks with no accountability for results. 
 
We’re working to change this mindset. Families First has undertaken a leadership role in organizing a coalition to campaign for a balanced approach to Georgia’s fiscal health. What started out as a meeting of nonprofit CEOs in October 2009 now numbers 30 diverse constituencies who share our concerns for the state’s future.  There has been a great deal of work put into this effort by a number of people. You’ll be hearing more about this coalition, its vision and focus in the coming weeks. 
 
You can act now. Become a Families First advocate. We’ll update you on legislation and provide you with the resources you need to take action. Join us in our work to protect much-needed services for children and families in Georgia.