Chiles pushes to bring kids' issues to forefront

Hoping to stir change in how Florida prioritizes children and health issues, Lawton "Bud" Chiles announced a long-term campaign Wednesday to put those concerns at the forefront.

"We're here to say the state of affairs for children in Florida is downright embarrassing," said Chiles, president of the Lawton Chiles Foundation and son of former Gov. Chiles. "We've got to become a leader again for children in this state."

The campaign, called Worst to First, will have a listening tour later this year to rally Floridians for children and health issues. No locations have been determined yet.

The campaign will organize children advocates through an online network at www.WorstToFirst.org.

"We'll traverse the state to listen and inspire," Chiles said. "This can be a turning point."

Former state Rep. Loranne Ausley joined Chiles in launching the campaign. The Democrat from Tallahassee said state spending will pay off.

"If we invest in our children's success, we won't have to pay for their future," Ausley said. "Almost 800,000 children in our state don't have health care."

Ausley said many of those children are eligible for the state's health-care program for working-class families, KidCare, but because not enough money has gone to market the program many families don't participate.

Officials with the campaign said they hope to inspire communities around the state to get more involved with children issues.

"This is a man-on-the-moon, long-term approach," Ausley said.