Budget Decisions Affect Military-Connected Children

HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas, March 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to proposed cuts to the fiscal year 2015 budget highlighted in remarks made by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel this week, the Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) raised concern for the children of Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members likely to be impacted by potential cuts to force strength and programs supporting military families. During this period of transition, the Military Child Education Coalition remains focused on the implications of proposed measures for military children, parents, military installations, and communities.

Many military-connected children and youth could be without the resources necessary to thrive academically and socially when their service member parent is separated from the service as a result of the proposed reduction in force. Like all children, military children rely on the predictability of schools, after-school and summer programs, as well as healthcare. Army General Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged the weight of the decisions on military families stating, "Our force is extraordinarily accepting of change; they're less understanding of uncertainty and piecemeal solutions."

MCEC is staying abreast of federal budget developments and will be a part of the discussion on the associated issues which could potentially impact military-connected children and youth. In keeping with its mission to ensure quality education opportunities for our country's military-connected children, the Military Child Education Coalition requests that senior leaders consider the cascading effects of cutting programs critical to the welfare of military families and the implications for children. MCEC applauds collaborative efforts by all those engaged in the process of ensuring continued support for the children of our nation's service members.

ABOUT THE MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION
Founded in 1998, the Military Child Education Coalition® (MCEC®) is a 501(c)(3) global, nonprofit leadership and advocacy organization focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for America's four million military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. For more information, visit www.MilitaryChild.org.

SOURCE Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)