Now More Than Ever: Have Your Voice Be Heard
If the legislative session were a horse race, they would now be rounding the bend and galloping into the home stretch. They must finish by May 18. Now, more than ever, it is important to “spur” our leaders on to support policies that will improve school readiness.
Progress Report from Todd Otis, Executive Director, Ready 4 K
What has been happening over the past four weeks has been very encouraging, given the nearly $5 billion deficit. It appears that neither the House nor the Senate is proposing cuts to early care and education, and there is even reason to believe there could be a small increase in funding of programs to improve school readiness. If that happens, it is a testament to the power of voices like yours being heard all over our state.
Another piece of perspective is that the Governor’s proposed budget has relatively modest cuts to child care, certainly not what we want, but far better than what happened to early childhood program during the last budget crisis. We are starting the “home stretch” with very strong legislative support and stronger support by the Governor than before.
So please, contact your own legislators and encourage sustained support for early care and education.(You can click here to find your legislators.) If you know they voted for the bills funding the great programs and initiatives we have to advance school readiness, THANK THEM. ( Legislators are just like you and me: they like to be appreciated!) Also, I suggest that you call the Governor’s office (651-296-3391) and leave a brief message to support early childhood funding. They really do pay attention to those calls.
I also want to encourage you to contact your local school superintendents and school board members. School districts throughout Minnesota are receiving an infusion of additional Title I money from the federal government, and an important possible use for such funds is for preschool programs. Let your local school officials know of your support for using Title I money to improve school readiness. Many education leaders at the local level already support our issue, but again your voice can help move them in the right direction. (Click here to read a letter from Todd Otis to superintendents and a memo outlining suggested uses for these resources.)
The momentum of support for early care and education is continuing to build in Minnesota, but it only keeps moving forward when individuals speak out, on a consistent and sustained basis. Thanks in advance for standing up for our youngest citizens.
April 28, 2009
