Florida Candidate Connection Released
Bi-annual Publication, New Website, Tell It Like It Is
Children's Campaign, Inc. announced the online publication of Florida Candidate Connection today. The document is a 30+ page compilation of issue briefs, facts and polling surveys accented by graphics and photography. It provides citizens, candidates and office-holders with a broad overview and assessment of the challenges and problems facing Florida's children. The release, through the newly revamped www.iamforkids.org website, marks the beginning of Our Children: 2008 Truth Tour.
"Many indicators of well-being for Florida's children and our state's position in national rankings are dropping like a rock. Citizen awareness and action are urgent," Children's Campaign, Inc. President Roy Miller said.
Florida's ranking in the National Kids Count annual assessment dropped three places in 2008, placing Florida in the bottom third of all states. According to Kids Count, Florida ranks 29th in infant mortality rate, 36th in teen drop-out rate, 43rd in children in jail or juvenile detention, and 48th in children without health insurance. Other organizations concur. The National Childhood Obesity Network (NCON) ranks Florida 39th. The National Association of Early Education Research (NIEER) ranks Florida next to last in pre-kindergarten quality. And Florida is dead last, number 50, in the Commonwealth Fund's rankings of percent of the population with health insurance.
Considered independently, such rankings are cause for concern. Viewed together, they paint a picture of crisis for Florida's children. Florida Candidate Connection tells the story of how we got to this point and recommends urgently needed action to address underlying problems.
2008 is the 7th consecutive election cycle, dating back to 1996, that Children's Campaign, Inc. has sponsored the non-partisan Florida Candidate Connection. This year's edition is especially valuable, according to Children's Campaign President Roy Miller.
"We're worried about the impact our declining support for public education and services to children will have on Florida's economy," Miller said. "Corporations and businesses locate where the children of their employees are well cared for, and where educational infrastructure prepares children for an adulthood of productivity."
Children's Campaign, Inc. also unveiled its revamped website, www.iamforkids.org, on Friday. The site renews focus on the organization's slogan, Who's for Kids, Who's Just Kidding, the hallmark of the advocacy organization since its inception. "We're going back to our roots," says Linda Alexionok, Children's Campaign Executive Director. "Our citizen leaders are committed to our role as a watchdog. We will provide praise and critical commentary to protect the interests of children and families."
The simultaneous release of Florida Candidate Connection and the website lays the groundwork for expansive election year educational and advocacy efforts. Our Children: 2008 Truth Tour, is an ambitious series of events planned throughout the state. These efforts are supported by Voices for America's Children , a national advocacy group.
Details about the Truth Tour will be released in future editions of Breaking News.
Children's Campaign, Inc. is a non-partisan, charitable organization. We do not endorse or support candidates.