We like child services more than we hate taxes

Yesterday was tax day — we certainly hope you got your paperwork in! This year’s tax season has coincided with a national debate on the role of government, including tax cuts and spending. From the presidential contest to state politics, policymakers everywhere are looking to transform the tax code.

In Arizona, lawmakers are proposing big tax cuts even though state finances are tight. Yet the state recently eliminated KidsCare, its version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, leaving 47,000 low-income children without coverage. Children simply lack the lobbying power of other interests in state legislatures, so when lawmakers want a popularity boost from tax cuts or are looking for places to trim, often vulnerable children bear the brunt.

Our member organization in the state is quoted in a piece today by the Arizona Republic:

This disconnect between tax cuts and spending decisions is irrational, said Dana Naimark, president and CEO of the Children’s Action Alliance. Tax policy and spending priorities are “two sides of the same coin,” she said.

For example, if the two were considered side by side, lawmakers could have contemplated using the $9.8million already earmarked for tax cuts to completely restore KidsCare, a health-insurance program for children from low-income families, she said.

On a lighter note, our member organization in Utah created a great video for tax day. Follow Sam the Eagle to learn more about how tax dollars fund services that protect kids.