Holly Barnes Higgins
Office 202.862.9863
Mobile 202.834.6846
hhiggins@preknow.org

(Washington, DC) – Early education should be “an integral component of America’s economic recovery,” according to a letter delivered today to the Joint Economic Committee. Written by Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now, and delivered as members convened for a hearing on “Economic Recovery: Need for Growth and Stimulus,” the letter challenged Congressional leaders to consider the impact of their decisions as they evaluate what constitutes pro-economic growth spending and what doesn’t.

“Imagine the next generation, attempting to manage an unfathomable national debt yet unable to manage their own checkbooks, get along with colleagues, write a business proposal, or see a project through; a significant number will be high-school dropouts and a potential drain on society. Why? Because when they were three and four years old, their national leaders -- in an attempt to exercise fiscal responsibility -- failed to invest in the very programs that foster early numeracy, literacy, tenacity, and teamwork: foundations for learning and adult success.”

Today’s letter urged JEC co-chairs Senator Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney to invest where proven returns are greatest.  Decades of research on high-quality pre-k demonstrate that a federal investment in early education made now would yield both short- and long-term benefits:

• More 3- and 4-year-old children – undergoing the most critical stage of brain development of their lives – can attend programs that prepare them for school and for life;
• Family pocketbooks receive much-needed relief;
• States see a reduction in costly special education, remediation, criminal justice, and social services expenses; and
• Our future workforce gains the foundational skills they will need to compete in the 21st century global economy.

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Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for voluntary, high-quality pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds. The following funders contribute to making this important work possible: The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the McCormick Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development, RGK Foundation, CityBridge Foundation, PNC Financial Services Group, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.

The Pew Charitable Trusts (www.pewtrusts.org) is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our commitment to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.

• Letter