Washington - Today, Sen. Menendez introduced legislation that would require each President, when he or she submits an annual budget proposal, to specifically lay out how it allocates funds for children's programs. The "Children's Budget" would gather all the diverse sources of federal funding for children's program into one document to communicate a comprehensive and clear picture.

"Among the investments we make in our nation through the federal budget, our children should always be a main focus," said Menendez. "We need to prioritize our children, but too often that has not been the case. If we get a complete and clear picture of how we spend on our children's programs today, then we can work to ensure we are not shortchanging these vulnerable members of our society tomorrow."

"We commend Senator Menendez for introducing this important legislation," said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus. "Despite increases in federal spending over the past five years, the share for children has dropped dramatically. The Children's Budget Act is a simple, inexpensive action that will bring awareness to the federal investment in children, as well as hold our nation's leaders accountable for ensuring that children remain a national priority."

Earlier this year, First Focus released Children's Budget 2008, a comprehensive analysis of federal spending on children over the past five years, and a publication with an intent similar to that of the Children's Budget Act. After accounting for federal spending on kids, the report found that only one penny of every new, non-defense dollar spent by the federal government has gone to children and children's programs. The report also shows that since the 1960s, the share of spending on Children's programs has declined by 23 percent.

This bill is cosponsored by Senators Clinton, Lautenberg, Sanders, Johnson, Bingaman and Casey.

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