Media Contact: Allie Wright, [email protected], (202) 794-1823

Seattle, Wash. (June 27, 2018) – Save the Children Action Network President Kris Perry released the following statement today on Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan signing the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy (Council Bill 119258). Now that the Levy has been passed by the Seattle City Council and signed by the mayor, it will appear on the November ballot for voters’ consideration.

“I applaud Mayor Jenny Durkan for signing a comprehensive and balanced Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy bill that demonstrates Seattle’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.”

“Councilmembers and Mayor Durkan clearly understand the importance of supporting children in the first five years of life. I want to thank them for working to make high-quality preschool available to low- and middle-income families through the Seattle Preschool Program. 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.”

“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.