Election 2000: Get Informed, Get Involved, and
Continue to Spark the Debate!

The 2000 election provides a great opportunity for child advocates in Kentucky to make their message known, to make their presence felt, and to urge their supporters to be vocal. Candidates and elected officials must be made aware that there is a constituency for children-- a constituency who votes. Even if your local candidate is unopposed, this election time is a great opportunity to speak up for kids. Figures 1 & 2 highlight the contested and uncontested elections throughout the state’s house and senate districts.

Candidates across the country say that they are concerned about our children. How do we see beyond the rhetoric? Get informed by asking candidates the questions that show their true positions on children's issues. Get involved in a local organization that recognizes kids are an election issue.

Continue to spark the debate by asking your candidate…

· The children in Kentucky’s juvenile justice system are overwhelmingly poor, with unmet mental health and substance abuse treatment needs, and children of color are heavily over-represented. What specific programs would you support to prevent youth crime by addressing the needs of these children?

· Given the fact that 64 percent of Kentucky mothers with children under six work full or part-time, how would you assure that they receive high quality, affordable child care in safe environments?

· Even with the success of outreach to enroll children in KCHIP, almost 50,000 Kentucky children do not have health insurance. What do you think should be done to ensure that all children have access to affordable health care?

· As a result of welfare reform and a strong economy, many Kentuckians have moved off the welfare rolls; most often they have moved into jobs paying below poverty wages. Others remain unable to find work. What revisions to the law would you support that would help people obtain full time employment at a living wage, and what revisions would you support to help those people who have been unable to work?

Visit www.Voter.com to register to vote and to view for more information on election 2000!