Media Contact: Allie Wright, [email protected], (202) 794-1823
Seattle, Wash. (June 18, 2018) – Save the Children Action Network President Kris Perry released the following statement today on the Seattle City Council unanimously passing the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy (Council Bill 119258) and companion resolution (Resolution 31821). The Levy next goes to Mayor Jenny Durkan, who is expected to support the levy, and is anticipated to appear on the November ballot for voters’ consideration.
“I applaud the Seattle City Council for passing a comprehensive and balanced Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy bill and a companion resolution that demonstrates the council’s strong commitment to early learners. If the FEPP Levy is passed by Seattle voters this fall, 1,000 new Seattle Preschool Program slots will be created, meaning more than 4,000 additional children will benefit from Seattle’s high-quality preschool program over the seven-year levy.”
“Councilmember Rob Johnson and Councilmember Lorena González clearly understand the importance of supporting children in the first five years of life. I want to thank them for affirming the Council’s intention in the companion resolution to use approximately 54 percent of the available funds for preschool and early learning, when investments are most impactful. The resolution also prioritizes the creation of additional preschool slots if there is any underspend.”
“The Seattle Preschool Program makes high-quality preschool available to low- and middle-income families who might not have access to preschool otherwise. It helps to ensure we are giving every last child a chance to arrive at kindergarten ready to learn and thrive. Early evidence shows that children of color, children from low-income families and children from families who do not speak English are making the biggest gains in the Seattle Preschool Program.”
“I also appreciate Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda’s work to champion additional mentoring opportunities for child care providers and the Council’s support for child care for homeless families.”
“We look forward to working with local leaders this summer and fall to support passage of this levy in the November election. All children deserve a strong start in life, and this funding will help make sure more in Seattle receive one.”
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Save the Children Action Network is the political voice for kids. We believe that every child deserves the best start in life. That’s why we’re building bipartisan will and voter support to make sure every child in the U.S. has access to high-quality early learning and that no mother or child around the globe dies from a preventable disease or illness. By investing in kids and holding leaders accountable, we are helping kids from birth to age five survive and thrive. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.