By Joan L. Benso
Next week is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. There’s been a lot of focus on the gubernatorial race, particularly since the field for contenders is so plentiful.
But regardless of whom you choose, ask yourself this before pulling any levers: “Where does my candidate stand on children’s issues and does he or she have a plan to ensure the health, education and welfare of all children in PA?”
As a child advocate, election time causes me to ponder how people vote when they go to the polls. Certainly there are many important issues to be tackled by our legislators, but children’s issues are different because kids can’t vote. They can’t lobby and tell our state representatives, senators or governor what they need to be healthy, strong, safe and secure.
That’s why PA Partnerships for Children does this work on their behalf. But you can, too.
I urge people to do their homework on the issues and assess who are the right candidates when it comes to making a better life for all our children. You can read our position papers on “Children & the Elections” at http://www.papartnerships.org/media_elections.shtml?mytabsmenu=media
Take a look at the gubernatorial candidates’ web sites, too, to learn their positions on key issues.
Then, before you vote, ask, Will your candidate work to ensure that:
- All children enter school ready to learn?
- All children have access to health care that assures their healthy development?
- All children and youth are raised in loving and knowledgeable families free from abuse and neglect?
- All children have access to safe and effective afterschool and youth development programs?
- All children have access to high-quality public education through affordable postsecondary completion?
These are the questions I’ll be asking myself next week. Will you?
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Joan L. Benso is president and CEO, PA Partnerships for Children
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Pennsylvania Partnerships is the only organization that truly looks after children’s needs. All the other advocacy organizations have split loyalties, i.e., the children and those adults that serve them. I always look to Ms. Benso for advice on what is best for our children. Please support her.