|
What About the Growing Number of Kids Living in Poverty?
Ask candidates for governor to tell what they would do to address the growing number of New Jersey children living in poverty.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: An Increasing Number of New Jersey Children Live in Poverty
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to call your attention to a growing problem for New Jersey children and to ask that you please ensure that children are a focus of your campaign for governor.
New Census data shows the number of New Jersey children in families in poverty jumped in 2008 to 280,000 from 222,000 the prior year, a startling 26.1 percent increase. These are families with annual income below the federal poverty level, $21,200 for a family of four. The sharp one-year rise in child poverty reveals that a growing number of children are suffering in the economic downturn.
As a candidate for governor, you should tell the public what you would do to address this problem.
Children growing up in poverty may suffer from deprivation and hardships that make it difficult for them to reach their potential. I would like to remind you that New Jersey has a nationally acclaimed program to put children from disadvantaged backgrounds on track for success in school and in life. The state's Abbott preschool program works to substantially improve student performance in language arts and math, as shown by New Jersey test scores, national assessments and independent research.
Long-term studies show that children who have attended high-quality preschool programs such as ours are less likely to be placed in special education, to have to repeat grades, or to drop out of high school.
New Jersey has wisely decided that all children from low-income families should have access to this highly successful program. But the state has yet to put funds toward meeting that commitment. With the sharp rise in child poverty, expanding this program is more important than ever.
Sincerely,
|
