70 Child Advocates and Organizations Sign Open Letter to Governor Rell, General Assembly

For Immediate Release

Dec. 10, 2008

Contact: Shaun McNally, Executive Director of CT Early Childhood Alliance @ (860) 938-2371 or shaun.m.mcnally@gmail.com

Jessica Ciparelli, CT Early Childhood Alliance Communications Specialist @ (860) 951-2212, ext. 228 or ciparelli.ceca@gmail.com

70 CHILD ADVOCATES SIGN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR RELL AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PROTECT STATE'S CHILDREN FROM POTENTIAL BUDGET CUTS

Speaking on behalf of Connecticut's youngest citizens, 70 organizations signed an open letter to Governor Jodi Rell and members of the General Assembly, asking them to protect the state's children from budget cuts. That letter was hand-delivered to the Governor's office and majority leadership of both the House and Senate on December 10.

The letter urges policy makers to stand by the commitments that have already been made to Connecticut's children – in early care and education, expanded health coverage, affordable housing and aid to local schools. The undersigned believe that supporting and protecting children should be a core principle of our society – in good times and in bad.

"Health, nutrition, and early education programs for kids should be the core of the Connecticut's social safety net...and the foundation of the state's economic renewal,” said Shaun McNally, Executive Director of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.

“We call on the Governor and legislative leaders to think big picture in this economic crisis. Continued investments in our children – their education, health care, child care, housing, and more – pay off in the short- and long-term. We are not only helping vulnerable kids, but contributing toward a vibrant economy for everyone in our state,” said James Horan, Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Human Services.

The letter urges leaders to consider the immediate return on investment – children who enter public school ready to learn help reduce remedial and special education costs to their cities and towns.

“Quality early care and education is very important for kids today, and critical if we are to best prepare Connecticut's workers of tomorrow. It is a proven investment that pays off,” said Juleen Flanigan, Director of Early Childhood Services at EDUCATION CONNECTION.

Children who receive their preventive medical, dental and behavioral health care save millions of dollars in hospital and emergency room costs. Giving working families access to affordable child care services will keep that family working and paying taxes, as well as providing for their families and strengthening the workforce.

“Families need affordable high-quality child care, especially in a recession. Without affordable child care, some parents just can't go to work at all. Child care programs hold families together and provide a safe, stable environment for children that makes it possible for whole families to succeed."” said Jessica Sager, Co-Founder and Executive Director of All Our Kin, Inc.

The organizations that signed the letter represent a broad range of child advocates, including those involved with early childhood care and education, children's health programs, housing, and other initiatives.

“Children's needs cannot be put ‘on hold.’ Even short gaps in support for children – in health care, education, or nutrition – cause harm that is difficult or sometimes impossible to repair,” said Jamey Bell, Executive Director of Connecticut Voices for Children. “A continuous investment in children is key to Connecticut's future recovery.”

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