Legislative action on Early Childhood – Opportunities for Public Comment
From Ready 4 K
Last Wednesday, Minnesotans awoke to a vastly different political landscape, with the Minnesota House of Representatives and the Minnesota Senate switching to Republican control. With the House welcoming 36 new members, the Senate 24, and the outcome of the gubernatorial election unknown, those working around the legislature have a lot to learn. Thankfully Ready 4 K and our allies have consistently worked with a core group of legislators from both parties, and have meaningful relationships in place with key policy makers.
While we are in the process of finalizing our legislative priorities and strategizing about the upcoming legislative session, action is moving forward on a number of early childhood issues, and your input is needed. There are several task forces of the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) that will be holding public hearings in the next several weeks to solicit your feedback.
First up is an ECAC-sponsored project to develop a School Readiness Report Card, which will monitor the state’s progress toward having all children ready for kindergarten by the year 2020. You can give your feedback on the draft Report Card at meetings in St. Paul, Duluth and Rochester or via webinar on November 29.
Monday, November 29, 10-11:30 am
Webinar. Register to participate by clicking here.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 10-11:30 am
Edgewater Conference Center, Lake Superior Room, 2400 London Road, Duluth, MN
There will also be public meetings to review draft proposals about an Office of Early Learning and common program standards that are being developed by DHS and MDE. Dates and locations will be announced soon and we’ll let you know when those have been confirmed.
Another great opportunity to be involved is through the Citizens League. With funding from the Bush Foundation, the Citizens League is launching a series of 25 community discussions that give Minnesotans an opportunity to weigh in on the state’s budget challenges. Participants will be able to identify their values and priorities, such as taking a balanced approach to budget shortfalls.
Please join Ready 4 K on November 16 to Give to the Max. Give to the Max Day, sponsored by GiveMN.org is a first-of-it’s-kind giving website for nonprofits in Minnesota. Last year’s record-setting Give to the Max Day saw over 38,000 donors log on and give to Minnesota organizations. This year, the goal is 40,000. Ready 4 K is working to inspire 500 donors to be part of that goal.
On November 16, help Ready 4 K reach our goal of 500 donors giving a minimum gift of $20 to support out youngest Minnesotans. Your gift will help us continue to make early care and education a top priority for our state. Your support also means that we will be able to continue to train new grassroots advocates and keep you informed about important progress for early childhood, like the School Readiness Report Card.