President Obama called for a major expansion of access to Pre-K in his State of the State address tonight. Here is the responses of Karen Scharff and Billy Easton.
Citizen Action of New York & the Alliance for Quality Education Respond to President Obama’s State of the Union Address
Applaud President’s Call for Investment in Early Childhood Education
Albany, NY – In response the President Obama’s State of the Union address, Citizen Action of New York and the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statements.
Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, said:
We applaud the President for recognizing the long term benefits of expanding access to early childhood education. Investment in quality early childhood education could help turn our communities around. These programs have proven to not only drastically increase educational success, but to also provide robust return on investment, helping to grow our economy. Here in New York, we look forward to working with our leaders at the state level to ensure that the Governor’s proposed investment in full day Pre-K is passed in the budget next month, and that New York takes full advantage of all available federal funds for early learning.
Billy Easton, Executive Director of the Alliance for Quality Education, said:
The President’s proposal to make major investments in expanding access to early childhood education is a major victory for communities in New York and across the country. We have known that investment in quality early childhood education boosts our kids’ success in school, and has even more long-term benefits. As the national debate about the importance of quality early childhood education comes into the spotlight, we’re pleased to support the Governor’s proposal to expand New York’s Pre-K program as a strong step toward providing the opportunity for success that all of our kids’ deserve.
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