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February 9, 2016
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Dear Supporter,

Great news! A bi-partisan group of New Jersey legislators are forwarding legislation that would expand preschool to thousands more young children throughout the state. Quality preschool has been proven to help children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and to improve their chances for long-term school success.

Three bills have recently been introduced that would provide state funds to expand preschool, while also creating a public-private partnership to support this early childhood education.

Today, Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, and Assemblyman Thomas Giblin highlighted their legislative proposal at a Clifton school serving children in preschool through 5th grade. The Senate legislation is sponsored by Senate Education Chair Teresa Ruiz.

“This is an exciting step toward finally making good on the promise of preschool,” said Cecilia Zalkind, ACNJ’s executive director. “While details may still need to be worked out, this strong support from New Jersey legislative leaders means we are on our way to expanding New Jersey’s model preschools to thousands of children who, simply because of where they live, lack that quality early learning.”

Zalkind also noted that ACNJ testified about the need for preschool expansion during recent hearings on how to address New Jersey's growing poverty. Quality preschool has been shown to level the academic playing field for children from low-income families.

As this proposal makes its way through the legislative process and, ultimately, lands on the Governor’s desk, we will need caring people like you to voice your strong support for quality early learning. So please forward this message to your friends and colleagues. Also, visit us on Facebook and Twitter where we will be sharing messages to elevate the importance of preschool for all children and join the movement at www.prekourway.org.

Sincerely,

Cecilia Zalkind
Executive Director

Advocates for Children of New Jersey

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