Guinn calling for cuts in Family-to-Family program

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001 | 11:18 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- One of the hallmarks of the adminstration of Gov. Bob Miller -- the Family to Family program -- is taking another step towards oblivion.

Gov. Kenny Guinn, in his $3.74 billion budget, has recommended a major reduction in the program that was started just four years ago.

State Human Resources Director Charlotte Crawford told the joint legislative budget committees Wednesday that Guinn believes "the state can't be all things to all people" and the government needs to focus its revenue.

Miller, whose administration stressed protection of small children, started Family to Family in 1997 recommending $13 million be spent over two years to help parents of newborns with tips about caring for infants, providing information and creating 13 Infant Support Districts with 22 New Baby Centers.

He envisioned providing services to 50 percent of the 27,640 birth families in the 1998-99 period. The Legislature reduced the Miller request to $9.3 million over the two years.

When Guinn arrived in office two years ago during tough budget times, he reduced the program to about $2.8 million a year, but maintained the baby center and support districts.

In his new budget, the governor wants to further shave the program to serve only at-risk neighborhoods in Nevada.

Four of the seven employees will be transferred to the state Welfare Division and three will be laid off, Crawford said.

Crawford said the direction has changed from serving all parents, no matter what the income, to those in at-risk neighborhoods.