Dear Friends of Early Childhood Education,

You may have seen the article in today’s Inquirer about divisions between the Governor and Republican legislative leadership over Pre-K. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/ 

Last week the Senate passed a budget that did not include money for Pre-K and reduced the proposed increase to Keystone Stars. The House and Senate will be negotiating their differences over the weekend and into early next week.

It is essential that we stand up for children now! Even if you’ve already been in contact with your legislators, here’s what you can do:

Call your Senator this afternoon or fax his or her office over the weekend.

§  Tell them that a budget that cuts funding for Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS or Child Care Works is unacceptable.

§  Ask them to support a budget that includes all of the Governor’s proposed funding for PA Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS and Child Care Works.

§    Ask them to express their support for these ECE initiatives by sending a letter of support to their caucus leadership.

 A sample letter is included below. If you need contact information, go to: www.legis.state.pa.us .

Thank you!

Sample Letter

Dear Senator:

The budget bill passed by the Senate on June 19, cutting Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and expansions to Keystone STARS, is completely unacceptable. I urge you to only support a budget that includes $75 million to create Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, $9 million expansion to Keystone STARS and fully retains the necessary increase to Child Care Works. These programs work together to provide a solid early education foundation that offers working parents with access to reliable child care and our children the opportunity receive a quality early education and succeed in school and in life.

Please voice your support for these ECE initiatives to your caucus leadership so they can best represent Pennsylvania's children and families during budget negotiations.

Sincerely,