What is Action for Children?

ACTION FOR CHILDREN is state-subsidized childcare for parents who work at low-paying jobs or are in school to be trained for work. The cost of childcare is a major obstacle to poor people who are trying to gain financial autonomy.

This is an excellent program. It encourages families to better themselves and become independent by working or training. The long-term financial benefits of this program are common sense. As a society, we get returns in spades on this investment. Children are safely supervised in a rich learning environment rather home alone or emulating the bad habits of kids on the street. Parents can study for a better career or work as much as possible to achieve financial stability and independence for their family.

What is the Problem?

Last year, when the State budget was passed, there was only enough money to fund this program through January 31st, 2015. There are no funds in place at this time to continue state payments to providers like St. Mary of the Lake and St. Thomas of Canterbury. A supplemental allocation for this year must be passed immediately. This is an immediate crisis!

The current budget seems to eliminate childcare for all children older than 6, which isn’t sufficient. Future funding for all children must be a priority item in the budget for next year if hardworking parents are going to be supported in their quest for financial independence.

What can you do?

Please contact the Office of the Governor to express your support for ACTION FOR CHILDREN. Contact your local State Representatives and Senators to express your concern about their failure to renew funding. This is very important as most of the constituents in your district do not have a vested interest in ACTION FOR CHILDREN. To be successful, the program will need bi-partisan support from lawmakers across Illinois. Please contact elected officials via mail, email and, best of all, via direct phone calls.

Please reach out to your family and friends who live in other districts. This will not only help the children at St. Thomas of Canterbury and St. Mary of the Lake but also thousands of families in the state who are trying to support themselves.

Questions?

Call the Principal, Christine Boyd, at (773) 281-0018 or reach her by email.