United Way of Kentucky
2010-2011 Public Policy Agenda
Kentucky is facing unprecedented revenue shortfalls again in 2010. The state’s general fund consists of income, sales and use, and business taxes and these funds are still predicted to decline. This will be the third consecutive year that the state has had fewer dollars in revenue than projected and budgeted. The magnitude of the budget shortfall makes future funding increases in most programs impossible, and the state will likely face additional cuts in services.
In spite of that, the 2010-2011 United Way of Kentucky (UWKY) public policy agenda prioritizes policies and programs we support nationally and in Kentucky, even as current budget conditions force cuts and program redesign and realignment.
Our key areas of emphasis are:
Access to Services: UWKY advocates for federal, state and community resources that ensure a seamless infrastructure of health and human services for children and families, and provide ease of access to those services for all who are eligible for assistance.
Early Care and Education: UWKY actively supports a policy agenda focused on improving the quality of life for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens – our children. We support strong public policies that will provide, and adequately fund programs and services that enable children to be safe, healthy, and successful in school.
Financial Stability Initiatives: United Way of Kentucky will advocate for policies that improve the financial stability of low to moderate income families including the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), and fair lending practices.
Within these broad areas of emphasis, we will segment our work into three categories, ranked as Legislative Leadership, Legislative Advocacy or Legislative Action. These terms indicate the level of resources we will apply against a particular issue.
Legislative Leadership Priorities (Tier I)
UWKY will assume a leadership role on Capitol Hill, with the Governor of Kentucky, in the Kentucky General Assembly and with the human service sector, proactively lobbying and bringing visibility and voice to our issues. We will devote significant resources to research, Policy development, grassroots organization and advocacy to these issues.
- Secure stable long-term funding for a statewide 2-1-1 information and referral service to enhance access to health and human service resources throughout the Commonwealth.
- Simplify enrollment procedures and increase outreach to families eligible for KCHIP and EITC.
- Establish universal kindergarten readiness/entry assessment for all child entering public or private kindergarten
Legislative Advocacy Issues (Tier II)
UWKY will proactively develop positions, lobby and generate grassroots support among local United Ways on an as-needed basis.
- Make participation in STARS for KIDS NOW mandatory for all licensed child care providers
- Expand access to high quality pre-K programs using a public/private collaborative model that uses the strengths of public and private child care, Head Start, and public pre-K programs
- Maintain and improve quality early care and education programs and increase access for all children through public subsidy of high quality care
- Expand the HANDS evidence-based home visitation program to include all at-risk mothers and allow participation until the child is 3
- Develop a comprehensive official definition for school readiness in Kentucky
Legislative Support Issues (Tier III)
UWKY will monitor and respond to requests for support through such vehicles as sign-on letters or endorsements. UWKY will support the work of coalition partners who are thought leaders on issues that are aligned with our priorities. Rather than taking the lead, we will support the work of coalition partners in ways that are not resource-intensive.
- Regulate payday lenders in terms of repayment terms, time between loans, and predatory rates
- Maintain or enhance funding for programs that meet the needs of children and families seeking food, shelter and support in times of crisis
- Promote policies that encourage healthy behaviors at school and reduce childhood obesity
- Raise the age for required school attendance in Kentucky
- Strengthen the voluntary sector, including tax incentives that encourage charitable giving and regulations that permit full participation of non-profit organizations in the governmental process
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