NoSchoolForSam

Congress is heading back to Washington – make sure they remember Sam!

The House will cast a crucial vote in the coming weeks that could provide $1 billion in early education funding each year, for eight years! As Congress looks for places to make budget cuts, make sure they don't nix this smart, forward-thinking investment.

Send your Representative back to Washington with a note urging support for this historic early education funding.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Thousands of three- and four-year-old children should be getting ready to start early education programs today. But state budget cuts across the country have led to reductions in pre-kindergarten education spending, leaving quality early learning out of reach for many families.

When you return to Washington next week, the Early Learning Challenge Fund (ELCF), an important part of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221), will be on the table awaiting your vote. If passed, this legislation will provide crucial funding for early education, at a time when our economy needs it most.

The ELCF would require qualifying states to set high standards of quality in early education programs across the country and raise the level of participation in these programs among disadvantaged children. An investment of this nature would help to ensure that thousands of our nation's three and four year olds enter school ready to succeed.

The fund would provide grants to states that commit to raising their program quality standards. We know that only high-quality early childhood education programs yield the large return on investment and positive outcomes for families and communities that both taxpayers and policy makers are seeking.

The Obama administration has made a strong commitment to early education, but the House has yet to respond with new early education funding in the budget process. As your constituent, I'm asking you to take a leadership role in ensuring that our nation keeps its promises to children and makes strong investments in evidence-based programs that promote their success in school, their careers, and communities.

Please support the Early Learning Challenge Fund in H.R. 3221 when you return to Washington next week. I thank you in advance for your support, and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
September 01, 2009