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URGENT! Tell Governor Corzine to keep preschool expansion on track.
Governor Corzine this week announced he is eliminating the $25 million Preschool Incentive Aid fund from the 2010 state budget. This was the only funding in the budget for expanding the state's hugely successful program of high-quality preschool to children living outside of Abbott districts.
It is critical that the governor hear now from advocates, parents, educators and other supporters!
Please write the governor immediately. Ask that he ensure the state's commitment to expansion by setting aside some funding for those districts that are ready to implement high-quality preschool this fall.
Your emails, letters and phone calls make a difference! Your advocacy helps New Jersey children!
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Please set aside a minimal amount of funding to keep preschool expansion on track
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Dear Governor Corzine,
High-quality preschool is an investment that pays off. You showed you understand that when earlier this year you proposed an incentive fund for preschool expansion. I know it must have been difficult for you this week to eliminate that fund because of the state's current financial constraints. Any regret we may feel, however, will be little consolation to the thousands of children in non-Abbott districts who have lost the opportunity to begin high-quality preschool in September.
I am writing to ask that you take steps now to keep expansion moving forward in New Jersey. It is critical that the state keep the momentum going to build on this exceptionally successful and effective program.
A first step should be for the state to set aside some amount of funding less than $25 million for districts that are ready to implement high-quality preschool this fall. These are districts that are ready to expand and enhance their existing preschool programs to meet high-quality standards.
The state should also strongly encourage school districts to use some of the additional money they got through the federal stimulus for preschool. Some districts whose plans are in place for launching high-quality preschool can look to these additional federal funds as a way to get started.
New Jersey should additionally use the 2009-2010 school year to strengthen its foundation for expanding preschool, such as by preparing qualified teachers and aligning the curriculums in preschool and elementary school.
New Jersey faces a tough budget. But just as a family facing financial constraints needs to plan for the future by saving for retirement and carefully choosing its spending priorities, New Jersey needs also to be able to see beyond the present difficulties. By expanding the opportunity for high-quality preschool, our state is laying a foundation for a bright and prosperous future.
Sincerely,
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