The Family Investment Coalition wants a small slice of the budget surplus pie to go to programs that help the needy with health care, housing, child care and education.

The coalition, made up of 45 groups who favor investing in programs that help the state's poor and disadvantaged, held a Monday afternoon news conference to explain their position.

Karen Crompton, executive director of Voices for Children, who coordinated the event, said 7 percent of the surplus would provide a significant boost to programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program and the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund.

This year's record surplus gives the Legislature a chance to invest in important programs as well as considering tax cuts, Crompton said.

"Nobody has to go home empty-handed," she said.

Monday's news conference also featured speakers who had positive experiences with different programs supported by the Family Investment Coalition.

Gerry Marty said the CHIP program, which provides health care coverage for low-income children, saved her grandsons' lives.

"Thank God that the CHIP program is here," said Marty, whose grandsons suffer from cystic fibrosis. "Because of the CHIP program my grandchildren are alive today."

Legislative support of the social programs would send an important message, Crompton said. "The state budget really is a reflection of our community values and says a lot about who we are and who we want to be."

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E-mail: smansell@desnews.com