On March 24, 2006, Voices for America's Children released a report that answered this question with some precision. The purpose, it seems, is "to keep track of governors' priorities (with respect to children's issues) and help ensure that their promises are not forgotten."

To fulfill this challenging assignment researchers comb the Governors' State of the State Reports . Not surprisingly, all addressed K-12 education issues and in some way referenced the state's role in providing funding for education and services.

Well, we did our own 'combing' of the 2006 Study in search Gubernatorial priorities in support of our most vulnerable children-those who endure abuse, neglect, poor housing , inadequate health care, and general poverty. We found little that impressed us. On the other hand, 35 governors spoke with some precision on past tax cuts or proposed new ones.

In all fairness , we point out that Governor Pataki had this verbatim: "Government has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of its citizens," especially the "most vulnerable children." We are still looking for data that supported the quote. Rather, we gave up.

Now we look forward to the 2007 Report, which should appear in late March. Stay tuned for our annual 'combing' report.

-Hershel Sarbin

http://www.voices.org/GovernorsIntro.htm