Latest polling data shows strong support for updating the way Arizona funds early childhood programs.
A recent poll of 600 Arizonans shows 80% support for including vaping and other nicotine products in the early childhood funding model, which is currently funded through declining tobacco revenues.
Arizona voters created the state’s early childhood agency, First Things First, in 2006 to help children from birth to age 5 arrive at kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. According to the survey, which was conducted by Data Orbital in July, Arizonans agree that nicotine and vaping products should play by the same rules as traditional tobacco products.
“The survey information reinforces that Arizonans across the board continue to value quality early learning opportunities for our babies, toddlers and preschoolers,” said First Things First CEO Melinda Morrison Gulick. “First Things First has supported families of young children for nearly 20 years by funding early childhood programs that have proven positive outcomes for children and their communities.”
An overwhelming majority (96%) said that the first five years of a child’s life are important in shaping future educational, health and economic outcomes, according to the survey. Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain growth happens before age 5.
Beyond improving a child’s future education and employment outcomes, the agency’s investments contribute more than $300 million each year to Arizona’s economy and support more than 100,000 jobs statewide.
First Things First funds programs across the state that support early childhood education, health and family services for children from birth to age 5. Without updating the current funding model, communities could face further service cuts beyond the one-third already experienced because consumers have shifted from traditional tobacco to vaping and traditional tobacco use has declined.
