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Help Save Pre-K for 600 Children! Ask Governor Beshear to Protect Pre-K Funding!
The legislature has been working on solutions for the budget deficit in a special session, but the final decision about program cuts will be made by Governor Beshear in the next week.
The revised FY2010 budget proposal would include a 2.6% cut in the state's Preschool Program. That would mean nearly 600 at-risk children will go without pre-k next year.
More and more research is stressing the importance of quality preschool. Lower grade retention, high school dropout rates and arrest rates and higher lifetime earnings are just a few examples of the impact that high-quality pre-k programs have on the lives of children.
Taxpayers also benefit from investments in quality pre-k programs. Research has shown that individuals who participate in such programs are less likely to need special education or welfare assistance and more likely to attend college and be employed as adults.
Improving the quality of life for individuals + savings for government = a great investment for Kentucky - one that shouldn't be subject to budget cuts.
In the past, Governor Beshear has made clear and direct statements about his support for quality early care and education programs. Remind Governor Beshear of his commitment by sending a letter today asking that his revised budget reflect the importance he has placed on Kentucky's Preschool Program.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Protect Pre-K Funding!
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing today to ask that you protect early childhood education from cuts in the FY2010 budget.
A 2.6% cut for Kentucky's preschool program would mean that nearly 600 at-risk children would be unable to attend preschool next year. I would strongly encourage you to find another way to reduce state spending to save the 2.6% ($1.9 million) that would make an important difference for hundreds of Kentucky's children.
I support Kentucky's Preschool Program because of the benefits it provides for both individuals and communities. I know you understand and appreciate those benefits as well.
Tough times present challenges. But they also offer opportunities. This is Kentucky's chance to show that maintaining our highly regarded Preschool Program is a top priority for our state, even in harsh economic times.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
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