To: The Massachusetts State Senate
Support Massachusetts' Youngest Learners
Massachusetts Fair Share
As you consider the FY16 budget, I'm writing in to ask that you co-sponsor the following budget amendments:
Early Education Rate Reserve Amendment #547, which makes critical investments in the early education workforce.
Early Ed Quality Programming Amendment #601, which helps improve quality in early learning programs.
Massachusetts should lead on education, but when it comes to early education we are falling behind.
Why is this important?
We have an opportunity to make a real impact on early education in Massachusetts.
This move is long overdue. Massachusetts should lead on education, but when it comes to early education, we've fallen behind. Since 2001, we’ve seen a 50% decrease in the state’s commitment to early learning. We can do better.
Every child deserves the same strong start.
Right now, the Massachusetts Senate is debating their budget, and we have a chance to deliver a win for our youngest learners and their teachers. The relationships young children form with their teachers is critical to their thriving. But, thanks to continual cuts to public programs, we're struggling to keep high-quality educators in the field, which has a 30% turnover rate.
These cuts are short-sighted. For every $1 we spend on early education, we save $7 over time as kids require less special education, perform better and earn more in the workforce. It's not just smart, it's the right thing to do.
We've got just a few days to build support for two amendments that will make a big difference:
- Early Education Rate Reserve Amendment, #547 - which would invest in early educators and stabilize the workforce.
- Early Ed Quality Programming Amendment #601 - which helps improve quality in early learning programs.
The Senate will vote soon on these amendments. Can you sign our petition right now?