It has come to our attention that the actual amount proposed for Pre-K funding in the Executive Budget is $50 million less - or $404 million, the amount projected to be spent in this current budget year. This cut in funding will result in no new districts creating Pre-K programs and in no new children being served.

In 2007 New York State made a commitment to children - universal Pre-K by 2011. Ask Governor Paterson to renew the promise of Pre-K and restore funding to the 2008-09 appropriated levels!

Send the letter below TODAY!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express my opposition to and deep concern about the decrease in funding for Pre-K in the Executive Budget.

As you know, the funding proposed in the Executive Budget is $50 million less than last year - or $404 million, the amount projected to be spent in this current budget year.

Nearly 450 of 677 school districts now provide Pre-K, including 53 that were new last year. The State Education Department goal for this year was to increase that number to 500 school districts and to support participating districts in meeting their full enrollment capacity. This cut in funding will result in no new districts creating Pre-K programs and in no new children being served.

In 2007, New York State made a commitment to children - universal Pre-K by 2011. This proposed cut in funding effectively stalls the program and breaks that promise. I understand that in this current fiscal reality cuts must be made, but I do not believe that cuts should be made that will negatively impact the education of young children.

I ask you, on behalf of New York State's youngest learners, to renew the promise of Pre-K and restore funding to the 2008-2009 appropriation levels.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
March 02, 2009