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Community Learning Centers coming under fire with city deficit

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By KEVIN ABOUREZK / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, May 19, 2008 - 12:43:51 am CDT

Fourth-grader Emily Bargar chewed carrots and peanut butter Thursday as friends threw Frisbees and played tag.

“You get to walk around and do all sorts of different things,” Bargar said of Splash, the end-of-the-year party held by McPhee Elementary Community Learning Center.

The McPhee center is one piece of an initiative serving nearly 4,000 Lincoln students with before- and after-school programs — and one now falling under the microscope of cost-concerned city officials.

Story Photo
Cheryl Bullard helps Chino Chavez during the softball toss game resulting in prizes of notebooks, paper and pencils during the CLC family night called SPLASH at McPhee Elemetary school. Between 70-200 families often attend and learn about fun, healthy ways to enjoy summer free time. (Michael Paulsen)
LEAD AGENCIES

Nine local entities serve as lead agencies for Lincoln’s Community Learning Center initiative. They are: Family Services, Cedars Youth Services, YMCA, Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln Housing Authority, Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, Clyde Malone Center, Northeast Family Center and Lincoln Parks and Recreation.

Last week, Mayor Chris Beutler’s office sent a letter to Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Susan Gourley informing her of the city’s intention to re-examine its participation, citing a growing city deficit.

The Community Learning Center brings schools, the city and nonprofit groups together to offer educational services meant to improve learning, and strengthen families and neighborhoods.

“We want to work with the CLC initiative partners to preserve these important programs,” the mayor wrote. “We are hopeful that a new structure can be developed that allows the city to remain as a financial partner, sustains the CLC programs currently in place and maintains the quality of the CLC sites.”

The initiative could look significantly different should the city withdraw support, said Cathie Petsch, who with Lea Ann Johnson coordinates the CLC. Each community partner brings something different to the effort, Petsch said.

“We’re better together than we are separate,”  she said.

The city provides recreational expertise through its Parks and Recreation Department, and among the nine lead agencies involved, Petsch said, the city offers as much as any in terms of financial support and direct services.

Lincoln has 23 centers — 18 at elementary schools and five at middle schools.

The schools partner with community groups that hire site supervisors and provide other support. The city pays the salaries of four of the initiative’s 15 supervisors. Those four oversee six centers.

The city spent $178,000 on the nationally recognized program this year, according to Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson.

The nine lead agencies involved plan to spend $844,000 for the fiscal year that begins July 1, Petsch said.

A Leadership Council — made up of stakeholders — oversees the effort, funded through the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, 21st Century Community Learning Center grants and matching resources from local funders.

The core of the program is the before- and after-school programs, which combine academics and recreation tailored to each school.

At Lefler Middle School, there’s the School of Rock, an outlet for budding guitarists, drummers and singers. At Dawes Middle School, there’s an archery club. There are homework clubs, reading and science clubs and reading intervention programs.

But the CLCs also reach out to families and neighborhoods, working to increase parent involvement.

The CLC doesn’t create services; it acts like a pipeline to connect people to them, Petsch said.

“The initiative is really a framework where good ideas grow.”

In 1999, four pilot centers were opened in Lincoln. A year later, a $2.3 million federal grant increased that to 11. It’s grown steadily since.

The initiative recently applied for a five-year, $2.4 million U.S. Department of Education Full Service Community Schools grant. The money would go to improve educational programs at four schools in Lincoln’s core neighborhoods — Prescott, Saratoga, Everett and McPhee elementary schools.

The money could not be used to fill a funding void should the city leave the initiative, said Petsch, who is confident the initiative would continue even if city support ends.

“It’s going to tilt us for a while, but we’ll be upright in the end,” she said.

In the letter to Gourley, Beutler listed several reasons for reconsidering support, but chief among them was a ballooning city deficit from stagnant sales tax income and rising personnel costs.

The city wants to shift human services to nonprofits, which can provide them cheaper, Beutler said.

According to the letter, the city might provide funds to the centers but not services or employees. The city would consider attempting to find transitional funding to fill the void left by the city.

For the six centers overseen by city-paid site supervisors — Belmont, Everett, Lakeview, McPhee and Pershing elementaries, and Mickle Middle school  — Beutler’s letter spells an uncertain future.

Susan Sapp, president of the McPhee parents’ association, fears a return to the days before the Community Learning Center brought needed resources to a school where more than 80 percent of students qualify for free and reduced lunch.

Before the center opened at McPhee, the parents’ association sponsored after-school programs, which included Spanish and dance clubs. But it struggled to keep the programs going, Sapp said.

“It was nearly impossible to sustain without the time and money and resources the CLC brings,” she said.

At McPhee’s Splash party, those resources were on display.

Teachers and staff, First Presbyterian Church members, the Lincoln Women’s Chamber of Commerce and the city Parks and Recreation Department combined to provide activities and student summer supplies, including books, vitamins, flash cards, folders, notebooks and Frisbees.

“A lot of these kids need those items,” said Jeff Bargar, former president of the parents’ association. “It’s serving an at-need population.”

And the center’s students help the neighborhood.

Students of the McPhee center converted gravel-covered school playground into green space that everyone uses. Students in the summer program also planted a garden.

McPhee fifth-grader Tanner Crable said that was educational.

“I got to learn about all sorts of plants.”

Reach Kevin Abourezk at 473-7225 or kabourezk@journalstar.com.


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We need a leader wrote on May 19, 2008 1:37 am:
" So will Beutler's Legacy be the loss of nationally recognized programs that help the poorest in our city to become productive and actualized citizenry and the 300 productive days of the year at the State Fair (I am pro innovation park but the city could have provided some alternate spaces that were viable).

Why are we saddled with the these politicians. What do we need to do to have a leader run for office. If the salary needs to be higher RAISE MY TAXES!! I would rather have someone creating growth rather than slowly cutting away parts that are valuable to a near and long term growth...for votes.

Gutless. "

 jen wrote on May 19, 2008 4:36 am:
" I cannot begin to describe how sad this makes me. "

 Jaine wrote on May 19, 2008 6:56 am:
" The CLC's are an important part of this community and should be looked at as programming that helps maintain the health and safety of our children. I know Fire and Police are the top priority right now and should be, but can the City afford the additional Fire and Police work we are going to need when thousands of children are cut loose in the summer and after school? "

 Oh my wrote on May 19, 2008 7:49 am:
" If my menory is correct just last week the Mayor asked and received $600,000 of city funds for a STUDY of the Haymarket Event Center. The Lancaster Country Board placed another $750,000 of lodging tax money toward the same study. Just what are the mayor, city council and country boards priorities and do they represent the Haymarket group or as the Constitution of the United States begins "We the People?" "

 McPhee Mom wrote on May 19, 2008 8:14 am:
" CLC gives more than it takes. It gives me a sense that my child is safe, happy and well looked after. She learns things about plants, animals and more importantly, she also feels safe. It also gives me the financial security my family needs to survive in these financial times. If CLC were to be eliminated from McPhee, I don’t know how I would cope. The CLC cares about our kids. They find areas in our community that need attention and they involve the parents and kids in every program they initiate. CLC staff are not “in it” for a paycheck. They want to see kids and families safe and secure. That staff knows the families at McPhee need extra help and they are always there to give it. They know all family members by name and always have an open door for suggestions, comments and calls for help. I encourage everyone to write your local government to keep CLC alive in our schools "

 Setting Priorities wrote on May 19, 2008 8:19 am:
" The true greatness of a people (and their government) is measured not in military, economic or political might, but rather by the degree of care and compassion afforded ALL members of their society. Please, please, let’s dare to be great! Don't save mid-level administrative positions at the expense of the front-line people actually supplying, or receiving, important services. Our greatest resource should be people working together to find a solution, not throwing people overboard so it is more comfortable for others. "

 russell wrote on May 19, 2008 8:22 am:
" I have said it before but it needs to be said again. According to the Mayor's Town Hall meeting the City's budget shortage $6 million would be covered by a puny tax increase of $5 per month on a $150,000 house. This is one of many examples of $5 very well spent. Those persons that cannot afford that $5 would qualify for the Homestead Exemption clause on their property tax. "

 CLC Parent wrote on May 19, 2008 8:24 am:
" I have a 2nd grader who has been in the CLC program since starting school. I hope funding can be restored to this great program which serves many children who would otherwise be facing uncertainty of supervision and adult direction while parents work. CLC has been of incredible value to our family, year round, and we heartily endorse this program and its social value! "

 HEY We need a leader like Beutler wrote on May 19, 2008 8:34 am:
" I call it gutsy to call on pet projects like CLCs. Why should we run a deficit just so kids can learn to dance and parents have a free babysitter?

Go Beutler. "

 Joe wrote on May 19, 2008 8:40 am:
" I have to agree with "oh my" they can't find the money to support this which is no doubt very important to kids but yet they find all kinds of money to throw at the arena project that hasn't even been voter approved yet. I would rather see money go to this INSTEAD of an arena that we can't afford right now, and I don't even have any kids. "

 William wrote on May 19, 2008 8:40 am:
" Mayor Buetler must be trying for anothr award from LIBA with his plan to squash CLC children. Since the time of Adam Smith, economists have found that education of children is the most important ingredient for economic development--not entertainment arenas with low wage jobs. Vision 2015 brings money to a few corporations while CLC decreases crime and brings economic development. "

 Tax Payer wrote on May 19, 2008 8:47 am:
" The city has lots of money for median landscaping but not enough for CLC's. Let's get our priorities straight. Last year it was youth sports now CLC's what next. I would write to my City Council representative but the last time I did the response was Pathetic at best and the future of children does not seem to be their concern. "

 Doesnt Make Sense wrote on May 19, 2008 8:49 am:
" Doesn't make any sense to cut the funding for before- and after-school programs to use it to build a park we don't need and an arena that is for fun, but not necessary. Don't people understand that these children need as much support as we can give them? Without these programs, they may be learning other trades, like stealing and getting into trouble. Taking away educational opportunities from small children is just wrong. "

 We need CLC wrote on May 19, 2008 8:50 am:
" My children participate in the CLC program at their schools and it is a wonderful program. They look forward to going there every morning and after school. It is a fair priced option for parents that are struggling to make ends meet and not doing their best to stay off of "the system". It would be a horrible shame for this program to go away. This mayor has taken away youth sports( remember las year when he cut Parks and Rec sports) and now this. Does he want the children in this town to turn to other activities to keep them busy???? "

 Pony-up wrote on May 19, 2008 9:20 am:
" It's time for parents to pony-up some money for these programs and stop making the City your babysitter. Start parenting. The arena/convention center are things that will benefit the entire City. "

 Kevin wrote on May 19, 2008 9:33 am:
" I'm not sure that the city getting out of the business of childcare is a bad thing. I think the city would do well to continue to provide financial support to the CLC program, but they are right that non-profits can provide the services for less. "

 Terra wrote on May 19, 2008 9:56 am:
" "Being a parent of children that participate in the CLC program at Huntington Elementary School and at the "F"st Recreation Center, I am deeply concerned about the budget cuts the city is proposing. Our families need these programs. They offer a fun, safe learning environment for our children. Communities thrive on the programs CLC has to offer. Being low-income proves challenging when you are trying to get your children in to after school programs that will enrich their minds to grow. My daughter was in a after school club that taught her how to dance, it was made possible by CLC. If not for the CLC she would not have been able to take dance lessons, therefor she never would have discovered her hidden talent."
"Our children are our future; if we want them to be all that they can be; we need to make sure that we provide them with all the tools necessary to develop their mind, body and spirit. I believe the CLC plays a substantial role in our children's' emerging success. We as a community owe it to the children to ensure that the CLC can continue to provide these invaluable programs to your families."

"Our children are our future!"

"

 Whose role is it wrote on May 19, 2008 9:57 am:
" Read people, read. The mayor does want want or propose to eliminate these programs. He's saying it's not Parks & Recs responsibility or mission to provide these programs. Lincoln has many public service organizations, and these should be the entities that provide these services, not the Parks & Rec Dept. It's time for the human services organizations to step up to help keep this valuable program running. "

 Grundle wrote on May 19, 2008 10:04 am:
" Why don't you people start asking for money from the people who have it...i.e. the 800 lb. gorilla that is LPS?! They take a huge part of the property taxes, and receive $64.5 million in state aid...it seems to me that if anyone can afford to cover this program, it would be LPS! "

 Guillermo wrote on May 19, 2008 10:23 am:
" This isn't the city providing "child care" as some of the respondents like to think. The CLC's are a benefit to the city and are not a drain on the budget. It is rather short sighted of the mayor to think that this is a solution to the budget problem. Wait, I guess by changing the city's role in CLC he is ensuring that he will have plenty of working poor willing to hawk T-Shirts, Concessions, and provide clean up for events at his new convention center in order to make ends meet. Once again a critical program designed to help those less fortunate get a leg up is being cut eventually increasing the gap between the wealthy and poor and ensuring a steady stream of low cost labor for the next generation to exploit. "

 not surprised wrote on May 19, 2008 10:36 am:
" First of all, parents who are able to pay do pay for the CLC activities, so it is not "free babysitting". Second, isn't it better for working parents to provide a structured and supervised setting for their children rather than have them unsupervised at home alone? It is in my way of thinking. But, why should we be surprised that this program would be targeted in the budget cuts in a city that has already decided to close two schools after convincing the taxpayers to pass a $250 million bond because of overcrowding. This really makes no sense either. If the mayor is trying to create a climate in this city that would make businesses and their employees want to choose Lincoln as their home, this is another odd way to go about it. "

 Mike in DC wrote on May 19, 2008 10:37 am:
" It's time that parent's foot a partial bill for sending children to public schools. Complain all you want about the other economic development initiatives; they are about building capacity. And far too many think about them as service-providing jobs. That's a problem if that's as myopic as the public and local government are thinking. The odd thing is that with comodity prices where they are, Nebraska should be rolling in the dough. But, I suspect a poorly designed tax system that doesn't take advantage or store up 'grain' during the good times, and can't understand how to deal with bad time, especially when they should be boom times. "

 kan wrote on May 19, 2008 10:47 am:
" The people who support cutting funding this way are the same people who cry about bums and protitutes in their neighborhood,claim credit for the foodstamp program in some sort of dillusion of relevence and complain when someone steals their stuff.It is all tied into early childhood development and programs like these could have very well diverted tragedy in any one of our lives.CLC means we would not need a C/C.It is all relevent.Cut one and you have an equal and opposite reaction.Simple math,figure it out. "

 Grundle wrote on May 19, 2008 10:53 am:
" To 'Mike in DC'...yes, commodity prices are at record highs...as are fuel prices. Do you think it might be possible that the two are linked in any way? If memory serves me, crude oil is a commodity as well. It takes a lot of fuel and fertilizer to produce those grain commodities, and with both at record prices, it stands to reason that grain prices would be high as well. "

 New to Lincoln wrote on May 19, 2008 11:02 am:
" You have your choice, the new jail which is being forced on us taxpayers, a new arena which they are trying to force on the taxpayers, all of the useles parks and bike paths they are trying to force on us, or babysitters for the children. There is only so much money to go around. The idea of only 5.00 per month to make up the city budget short fall is not to bad but then you have to add on the money for the jail, the arena, the parks and everything else they can dream up and you end up with hundreds of dollars a month increase. Make LPS responsible for all of the childrens programs and cut thier budget to a reasonable level then we might be able to afford all this other "STUFF" "

 Sarah wrote on May 19, 2008 11:02 am:
" First huge cuts to the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging, now the CLC's are under fire. It looks to me like Mayor Beutler likes to target budget cuts to those groups whose voices tend to be muffled in our society. I thought I was voting for a more progressive candidate when I cast my ballot for Mayor Beutler, but looks like more of the same - pandering to the interests of big business while turning a blind eye to the needs of the citizenry. "

 Politics wrote on May 19, 2008 11:23 am:
" Having read this and a previous artical about this program is should be clear that this is an example of politics 101.
Create a program with federal "grant" money,hire government workers to staff an agency,create a vocal constituency (parents,children,gov workers).Then when the city has outspent is revenues for the last 6+ years (it has been in the red anywhere from 6 to 9 million in the hole per year) while doing nothing to promote private sector growth then cut funding to the said angecy and wait for the vocal constitiuency to howl for increasing property taxs.The Mayor will not cut the payroll of the city nor will he stand up the unions.What the will Mayor will do is gladly increase property taxs to "save" this program in addition to having more to spend on the arena project and a year from now will we still have an imbalanced city budget of 10 million dollars in the red.
While all this is a lesson in politics the fact is that of the 180,000.00 dollars of the cities share of this program the program serves 4,000 children for 300 days of the year.180,000.00 divided by 4,000 snowflakes come to 45.00 per snowflake per year. 45.00 divided by 300 days comes to 15 cents per child. Now if the affected families children are not worth 15 cents a day to them why should the be to me.Why raise my property taxs even 5 bucks when the children's future isn't worth 15 cents to those who use the program???? and what will the mayor/city council do with the remaining 4.85 cents??? Guess where it will go. "

 Amazed wrote on May 19, 2008 11:23 am:
" I'm amazed that this mayor is balancing the city budget by cutting services to the youth of our city again. Last year it was youth sports. This year CLC's. What will it be next year? He expects human services organizations to pick up the slack. First of all, they haven't picked up any of the youth sports that were eliminated last year. Second, the human services organizations are also strapped for money and probably do not have the funds to pick up the additional CLC sites. I imagine they rely on our donations to run many of these programs. So where would you rather pay the money? I would gladly pay the extra $60 a year in taxes to make up the budget shortfall and especially to make sure that these services for our children our kept. "

 TC wrote on May 19, 2008 12:02 pm:
" These are hard times it has come time for people with kids to start taking care of them. The goverment can't do everything for you. If people with kids want to keep this babysitter they need to pony up the money. "

 T Jefferson wrote on May 19, 2008 12:02 pm:
" I have to say that I am confused, disappointed, and angry about Beutlers's behavior and political choices as mayor of Lincoln. I feel betrayed as citizen and previous supporter. He has taken stances that directly conflict with what he was willing to say when he ran for office a year ago. If he would have revealed his true colors I would have made different choices.

Here is Beutler's view on the CLC's taken from his website as part of his educational cornerstone message. (http://www.chrisbeutler.com/education-cornerstone-plan)
"Continuing Lincoln’s vision of using public schools to deliver city services, as envisioned in the Community Learning Center concept, must be improved and expanded according to Beutler. “The schools can serve as a gateway to programs that improve the health and well being of our children. The more service delivery we can do in cooperation with the schools makes for healthier kids and saves money."

This political double talk to get elected makes me sick. I wonder if he would have received the newspapers endorsement if they knew he intended to cut the CLC partnership that was part of his educational cornerstone.

Who is he anyway? Not the guy who ran for the mayors office. "

 curly wrote on May 19, 2008 1:45 pm:
" Partnerships are a great idea, but not w/human services who traditionally is already partnering w/ schools, churches and parent organizations. When the city pulls out of health and human services they are picking on the poorist of the poor.

Partner w/ a stable sect of the city like public works or police and fire. "

 Not a free program for everyone wrote on May 19, 2008 1:45 pm:
" To those of you out there that think this is a free service for all, I would like you to go ahead and pay the bill I pay every month for my child to participate in CLC so I can work full-time to support him. Then tell me if it's free. I don't have a problem paying for my child's care, maybe what they need to do is change the sliding fee schedule so more parents are paying. I don't qualify for free or reduced prices, so I pay the full price. If more people had to pay full price, the program could probably stay in tact. I am a single mom that works full time to support my son and get no help from his absent parent or the state. I am doing my best to be an active member of society and teach my son how to do the same. Without the use of the CLC programs available, I would not be able to work full time. "

 Teresa wrote on May 19, 2008 2:34 pm:
" If you knew anything at all about this program you would know parents have to pay for this service. IF it wouldn't be for CLC I wouldn't be able to work a full time job either. There are few and I mean very few places to work around here in Lincoln that have a late start time. My son changed schools 2 years ago and he use to start at 8 something, went to new school he now starts at 9 am and it out at 3:38 pm. You can not find a FT job in Lincoln with them hours. You complain about people needing assistance, WHICH I DO NOT HAVE NOR WILL I HAVE ASSISTANCE, but if parents don't have a place for their children to go before and after school and they have a 8-5 job, they are going to be up a creek without a paddle. The CLC program is great and the kids love to go there. IT will be missed dearly and we'll have to find other arrangements for my son if they close this program. "

 Jennifer Baker wrote on May 19, 2008 2:36 pm:
" As a former resident of Lincoln,Nebraska; I am praying that support from the city continues for the Community Learning Centers. We have three sons that went to Elliott Elementary one of the original cites for the Community Learnig Centers and I can not express enough what a benefit a program like this is for children and families.My family an I reside in Gadsden,AL now and If this community had CLC's it would be such a great impact on the schools and the community and the families that it serves. I read recntly that Lincoln, was one of the top cities to raise children well you must take time out to give some of the credit to the CLC's.
To all the leaders of the city of Lincoln look closely at the impact this has made on your city and considers those things which you stand to lose.
Jennifer Baker "

 cut from regular cirriculum wrote on May 19, 2008 2:59 pm:
" The CLC centers provide our kids with exposure to the things that have been minimized or completely eliminated from the regular elementary and middle school cirriculum - archery, art, crafts, international studies, foreign language, drama, cooking, sewing, creative writing, computer classes, and a list of other activities. While they may get ONE QUARTER TERM of Home Ec or Shop or Art in school, this provides them with YEAR ROUND opportunities for learning in these areas. It also provides homework assistance and mentors for those that are struggling with classes and homework (which my kids have used as well). My kids have all participated and I am happy to pay my bill each month. We've already cut these things from the cirriculum, lets not completely eliminate the availability of these teachings! "

 WHY wrote on May 19, 2008 3:40 pm:
" My son is in the program at Pershing. We only pay 50.00 a month for him to be there. He is not on reduced lunches and we dont get any state assistance. Dont get me wrong I have no problem paying the 50 for him to be there but instead of looking at shutting the program down why not charge the families that can afford it a little bit more. I would have no problem paying 100 or 150 a month for him to be there. "

 dewboy wrote on May 19, 2008 4:37 pm:
" PLEEEEESE! No more individuals from the Legislature with intentions to run for Mayor of the City of Lincoln. Listen up Democrats! after this mans term it will be the LAST democrat to be Mayor of the City of Lincoln for quite some time. "

 Angie wrote on May 19, 2008 4:57 pm:
" I use the CLC program and I gladly pay a monthly fee for the service. So before you start mouthing off about how it's a free service and how we should start footing the bill, perhaps you should do a little research first. I, too, am a single mom out working full time to support my child. And as a single mom I pay the full monthly fee and I don't complain. I value CLC's services. "

 Bigdaddy wrote on May 19, 2008 5:34 pm:
" I just love the way this town does things(our mayor). take away something great for all kids just because he cant fix the budget. Thats not the childrens fault, thats just poor leadership in the city offices. I think the CLC program is the best thing for the kids that attend, they learn to get along with others and learn other important things as well. Raise my taxes for school programs like this not to build a new jail facility that I won't be using! "

 Single Mom McPhee wrote on May 19, 2008 6:42 pm:
" CLC is more than a babysitting program. CLC provides quality education and healthy environments for our children. CLC provides the connection to resources if you need them! CLC isn't FREE. Parents pay for services, and are involved with other aspects of CLC, such as Family Nights, WatchDogs, and other programs. CLC helps empower those of us whose dollars are stretched so thin that we have to make choices about paying the electric bill or buying a luxury item like dance lessons for our children. With the support of CLC, we are helping our children grow in new directions for the future. It takes a village, they say, and CLC is part of that village. "

 rb wrote on May 19, 2008 10:18 pm:
" As others have already mentioned, CLC isn't free for everyone. I pay around $170.00 a month for my son to receive before and after school supervision. I'm also paying taxes for others to use the program that can't afford it. If anyone has the right to complain, well then it is me. However, many of you have already exhausted that option so I'll refrain. "

 Free Free wrote on May 20, 2008 4:43 am:
" Isn't a public school supposed to effectively be a "community learning center"? Yes it is. Are these people actually looking for a "community free day care center"? "

 to free free wrote on May 20, 2008 9:05 am:
" if you didn't have the chance to read the comments before you commented, this is not a free service. There is a weekly charge. Therefore it is not free. It is a very good resource for the community. It keeps children busy learning about things that they do not get in the school system anymore, such as art, music, dance, etc. They sposor family nights in the school. And most of these things are done w/community volunteers/sponsorships. How anyone can be against such a vital program is beyond me. I hope the mayor hears the voice of the people and not cut funding to this program. "

 Here is an idea Lincoln wrote on May 20, 2008 3:47 pm:
" stop voting Dems into office!!!! This is a great example. Their theories are always "cut funding in places that make a difference to make money that will be put in a money pit". I hope none of you complaining voted for Chris because you have NO right to do so. I did not so I will complain. Thanks Chris for trying to cut a program that I myself have seen make a difference in kids lives. What would some of these parents do if CLC was cut. Not all adults have a job where they can leave and pick up their child at a reasonable time. "

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