Latest news, weather and high school sports for Albany and Southwest Georgia

ATLANTA, GA. -- Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. sent a letter Monday to Governor Nathan Deal highlighting what he considers possible adverse results from the Governor’s proposed changes to a family funding program. 

Governor Deal has proposed transferring money away from the Georgia Family Connection Partnerships through the Department of Human Services and redirecting the funding to the Governor’s Office for Children & Families.

In a press release Congressman Bishop’s office says the proposal could change the public-private model for raising funds.  “Transferring the GaFCPs’ appropriation to GOCF will inhibit collaborative organizations’ ability to leverage dollars once their money and local decision-making ability is absorbed into a state agency.  The present public-private partnership has increased involvement of local businesses and community leaders, which enhances the success of the GaFCPs throughout the State of Georgia” says Bishop.

The entire letter is below:

Dear Governor Deal,

I am very familiar with the work of Georgia Family Connection in the Second Congressional District.  Calhoun County Family Connection, Early County Family Connection along with many other local organizations have expressed concern regarding the proposed consolidation and transfer of appropriated funds from Georgia Family Connection Partnership to the Governor’s Office for Children and Families.  Georgia Family Connection believes this is a bad idea because the consolidation and defunding of this initiative will adversely affect local collaboration and coordination along with the autonomy in the 159 county organizations throughout the state.

During these challenging economic times, it is vital that the many public-private partnerships that Georgia Family Connection Partnership has developed over many years continue into the future.  In Early County for example, this partnership has resulted in increased support and improved results for families and their children.  It therefore is important to ensure Georgia Family Connection’s continued success across the state, and I urge you to keep their concerns in mind as you finalize the state’s FY12 budget.

With warmest regards, I remain

Sincerely,

Sanford D. Bishop Jr.

Member of Congress