Everyone knows the magnitude of the economy at both our national and state level but serious and devasting choices have been made by NY's government & state agencies. This is our place to show them the errors of their ways. All funds for childcare grants have been eliminated & other child related initiatives that help children cut but yet millions of dollars have been allocated to initiatives such as maintence of snow mobile trails ($6 million dollars)and betweeen $200-$400 million for UPK programs. Yes, UPK is important but what about a child's first four years of life. A child's critical years are birth through 5 years. NY needs to invest for all the early years!! We want any UPK funds that are not going to be used moved to other child related initiatives that were cut!! NY is the second least affordable for childcare costs in the nation. With these grants, childcare providers can lower their costs. With health & safety grants, childcare providers can make their environments the safest for children. The state of Arizona had a $2 billion budget deficit for 2008-2009 yet they made no cuts to childcare and actually allocated an extra $5 million to childcare. How did they do it Maybe, NY should call Arizona!! It's time NY set their priorities straight! Please sign our petition and add any addtional comments. Thank you on behalf of all children & grandchildren in NY! YOUR EMAIL IS NEVER PUBLICLY VISIBLE. Only one signature per email address is allowed and we'll never send you spam ... never.