Pre-k Needs Senator Averitt

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Pre-k Needs Senator Averitt

Because of hardworking advocates like you, HB 130, full-day high-quality pre-k, has cleared the Texas House and will be considered in the Senate Committee on Education on Thursday, May 14, 2009. HB 130 must receive a favorable vote in committee in order to make it to the Senate floor for consideration.

Passing the Senate Education Committee will be difficult, and we believe that ultimately this decision will come down to Senator Kip Averitt (Waco, Texas). Fortunately, pre-k has strong support in Waco and its surrounding area.

We need you to let Senator Averitt know that his district wants HB 130 to pass. Please send him an email today, asking him to support HB 130.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Can I count on your support for HB 130?

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing you today to ask you to vote yes when House Bill 130, relating to an enhanced quality full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in conjunction with community providers comes up for a vote in the Senate Committee on Education this week.

Because of the recent changes to the Early Start Grant program (formerly known as the Pre-k Expansion Grant Program) many Texas School districts may soon be forced to cease their full-day pre-k programs. HB 130, with proper funding, will allow many of these districts to continue to serve at-risk children in full-day programs. At least 10 school districts in your constituency are in jeopardy of losing their full-day pre-k programs. Please vote for HB 130 to ensure that many Texas children are able to continue attending their full-day pre-k programs.

Research shows that full-day high-quality programs can reduce the achievement gap later in life and contribute to higher high school graduation rates, fewer referrals to special education, less criminal behavior, and higher lifetime earnings. Because of these lifetime benefits, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M reports that for every $1.00 we invest in high-quality pre-k, at least $3.50 is returned to Texas communities.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Education for the Texas Legislature, I hope you will choose to make one of the best investments possible in Texas, which is an ivestment in early childhood education. Please let me know how you decided to vote on this critical bill.

Thank you for all that you do for Texas.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 12, 2009

Background Information

Research shows that compared with half-day pre-k, full-day quality programs are a significant factor in closing the educational achievement gap.
Full-day pre-k programs allow working parents who need full-day care increased flexibility and ensures safety and quality learning throughout the day for young children.
Texas currently has no requirements regarding pre-k class size or child-to-staff ratio, two indicators of early education program quality.
An integrated approach to early care and education that includes community-based partnerships with child care and Head Start programs allows school districts to save tax dollars by partnering with existing facilities rather than building new facilities or purchasing temporary buildings.
Recent changes in the Pre-k Expansion Grant Program (now called the Early Start Grant Program), which supports many districts in the voluntary expansion of their pre-k day may result in the loss of many full-day programs currently operating throughout the state. Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 130, can ensure that many of these districts do not have to discontinue their full-day programs.