Congress is holding a special session in Washington, DC this week to develop a plan to help our struggling national economy.  It is important that whatever plan is developed that it include needed supports for our Texas state budget.

Without support, many states, including Texas, may be forced to cut their early education budgets to make ends meet.  Texas has a stronger economy than most states in the nation right now, but as a large portion of the nation's economy continues on the downturn, we need to make sure Texas and other states have the funds needed to continue to serve young children.

Let your members of Congress know that any stimulus plan must include investments in children and early education.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As Congress meets this week to debate an economic stimulus, I urge you to include help for state budgets so that funding for early care and education is not cut. When states are forced to make cuts to early care and education, the financial security of American families is jeopardized because parents of young children see additional costs for care transferred to them.

Congress should help protect the important programs serving our young children. Congress should enact an economic stimulus bill containing state fiscal relief that will increase federal reimbursements to states, allowing state and local policymakers to continue their wise investments in early education.

I respectfully urge you to support efforts to pass a comprehensive state fiscal relief package that strengthens early education before Congress adjourns for 2008. This is a wise investment. According to the Bush School of Government and Public Service, every $1.00 invested in high-quality early education produces a $3.50 return for Texas communities. Thank you for your time and efforts on behalf of young children.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
November 20, 2008