Contact your State Senator - Vote No on Head Start Cut
From Ready 4 K
- …Some estimate an immediate elimination of 200 preschool children from Head Start classrooms, totalling over 840 in the next biennium.
After weeks of little progress at the Legislature, the trickle of activity is turning into a downpour. Yesterday we sent an action alert to call your House members to support the Early Childhood Policy Bill when it comes up for a vote on the floor of the House this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Senate has proposed over $1.3 million in cuts to Head Start funding. Head Start is a critical program for many families to ensure their children start kindergarten fully prepared for learning success.
Problem:
An amendment to SF 3028 was proposed last night in the Senate Finance Committee that proposes significant and long-term cuts to Head Start in Minnesota. The amendment includes $1.345 million in cuts for 2011 and $2.2 million annual cuts each year of the 2012-2013 biennium.
While the state is facing significant budget challenges to resolve in coming weeks, balancing the budget at the expense of the education of our youngest, most vulnerable citizens will have long-term negative consequences for Minnesota’s future.
The magnitude of these cuts will mean hundreds of young children across Minnesota will lose services, teachers will be laid off, and small communities will lose valuable early education infrastructure. Some estimates of the impacts would be an immediate elimination of 200 preschool children from Head Start classrooms, with additional cuts of 320 children in 2012 and 2013. This means that over 840 children will enter school less prepared for learning than their peers.
Action Needed:
Please call AND email your Senator TODAY and tell them to reject these cuts to crucial Head Start programs in their community.
Deadline for responding: Please take action by May 5.
ACT NOW!