Children First for Oregon

Help Protect Vulnerable Families in Uncertain Times

Oregon’s economy is in a downturn, so we must take steps to protect vulnerable families. Here’s what we can do:

Finish the job and cover all kids

Working families are struggling. Lawmakers must take real action to help these families in way that will make a difference to their day-to-day lives. With unemployment rising and medical costs skyrocketing out of control, the number of uninsured children will continue to rise. Helping every family access affordable, comprehensive health care for their children is the best place to start.

Protect Investments

Oregon shouldn’t make budget cuts that will hurt families and cost us more in the long-run. During hard times, human service needs go up even as state revenue goes down. To protect vulnerable children, the 2009 Legislature can’t allow across-the-board cuts, particularly to the programs children and families rely upon. Lawmakers must commit to revenue restructuring as well as consider using the rainy day fund.

Vote for Kids

Oregonians have important choices in front of them this election. In addition to the choices we’ll make for President, Congress, state and local leaders, we’re voting on a number of harmful ballot measures this November that could decimate Oregon’s budget, regardless of what happens with the economy. Children First asks you to think about kids when you fill out your ballot. Vote No on Measures 59 and 61, each of which would cost the state billions of dollars. Visit our election center for more information on how you can stand up for kids this election.

Send a message to lawmakers urging them to support health care for kids, and to protect the strong investments we have made over recent years.