Even in tough economic times it is important to maintain significant levels of investment in Pre-K. Earlier this year
we highlighted some governors that were supporting pre-k because they
chose not to cut budgets. Pew Charitable Trusts' "Votes Count:
Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2010" is a tool to help voters
see where their legislatures stand on funding pre-k. This is important
not only for children but because pre-K is a proven strategy for increasing long term financial prosperity by states.
In
the report Alaska and Rhode Island stand out for making first time
investments in pre-k pilots in their states. This is significant
considering the budget short falls most states are facing. In these
tough times it is heartening that Rhode Island is investing for its
future. Pennsylvania's governor stood out for not accepting budgets
that did not include pre-k, a bold move for a governor under the stress
of a tight budget.
The report isn't all good news though. Ohio,
with a small short fall than some states, (5%) has decimated the two
early childhood programs. It cut the funding to the Early Learning
Initiative by diverting funds from TANF to welfare-to-work programs and
cut the Early Childhood Education fund by 33%. The battle was so brutal
that some state and Head Start programs delayed or canceled fall
classes. 1,000 people almost lost their jobs because of political
infighting. Finally, the legislature agreed to flat fund early
childhood for 2010.
If
you look at this map and your state isn't supporting pre-k, consider
contacting your representative to ask her/him Why? And, make your
opinion known on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, if you are having local elections.
The issue of high quality pre-k is not just a national issue as some
would have you think. You can be for pre-k locally and still be against
the current administration because politicians who vote for kids get
elected. And that is how policies get changed, one vote at a time,
whether it's yours — the constituent — or the vote of your congressman. If you aren't being represented in your state, then change that next Tuesday.
I recently went to a meet and greet with Tom Shields,
a candidate for Virginia's House of Representatives. He told me in
person that he was in favor of pre-k especially for at risk children
birth to five. You know when someone tells you in your neighbor's
kitchen what they believe whether it is a campaign line or a real
belief. Many of our local representatives aren't that accessible.
That's where the Pre-K Now Votes Count report comes in. If you can't
figure out a way to meet your representative or candidate in person,
the informative Votes Count report will help you decide, "Are my
children being represented by my states' financial policies? How can I
change or support those policies? Who is a champion for children and
who is a pandering politician?"
