Believe it or not there are many out there who think pre-k is a bad idea.  They don’t know the research, and they are misinformed about HB 130.  Unfortunately, they are highly organized, and they have been calling Senators, Governor Perry, and Lt. Governor asking them to block HB 130.

We cannot let that happen.  We need your help. If we are organized and active, Pre-k advocates can pass HB 130.  Please, click the take action icon below to send your Senator, Governor Perry, and Lt. Governor Dewhurst a brief message that gives them the truth about pre-k and HB 130.

*Also If you have a moment, please call Governor Perry’s office at (800) 252-9600 and leave a message saying you support pre-k and HB 130.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As a member of your constituency, I want to let you know that I support high-quality pre-k in the state of Texas. Our state needs to make tough decisions with our tax dollars, and investing in early childhood learning generates an incredible rate of return for our dollars.

There are many people out there misrepresenting the facts about HB 130, but here is the truth about this critical bill:

-HB 130 is voluntary and for eligible children only: no parent or school district will be forced to participate in full-day high-quality pre-k. Currently, the Texas pre-k program serves at-risk children, the same is true of HB 130.

-HB 130 is fiscally responsible: the current language in the bill makes HB 130 a grant program; therefore, Texas Legislators can decide how much to appropriate for the program. HB 130 gives our state the opportunity to invest in high-quality pre-k.

-HB 130 saves tax dollars: investing in high-quality pre-k leads to a return of at least $3.50 for every dollar invested. No matter how much we put into the program, we can expect at least a %350 return on that investment.

-HB 130 is about quality: the bill includes proven quality standards, including staff to child ratios of 1:11, class size limits of no more than 22; highly trained teachers, and a high-quality curriculum approved by the commissioner.

-HB 130 ensures local control: the bill ensures local governance and oversight through district selected partnerships. As a result, school districts and the Texas Education Agency have the ability to provide oversight.

-HB 130 is effective policy...for at least the past three years, 112 Texas school districts have had success full-day pre-k programs, and as a result, have been performing at or above state averages on 3rd grade TAKS scores. HB 130 gives many of these 112 school districts the opportunity to continue funding their full-day pre-k program.

-HB 130 has bi-partisan support: HB 130 has 100 co-authors and the bill passed the House with 106 votes. Republican ands Democrats have come together on this bill because the benefits of early learning represent one of the best investments Texas can make.

Because of the incredible importance of early learning, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University found that every $1.00 we invest in high-quality pre-k--such as child care, Head Start, and Public School Pre-k--saves Texas communities at least $3.50. Savings are realized through improved high school graduation rates, fewer referrals to special education, less involvement with the criminal justice system, and greater lifetime earnings for individuals receiving a high-quality early education.

Right now, Texas state has an amazing opportunity to improve the quality of pre-k for many children in the state. HB 130, relating to an enhanced quality full-day prekindergarten program provided by public school districts in conjunction with community providers, has just been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and a vote is expected on it sometime next week. I support House Bill 130, and I hope you will too.

Please support HB 130. Thank you for your time and your service to our great state.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 13, 2009