Budget includes an additional $34 million for publicly funded pre-K to include all income-eligible four-year-olds across South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Suzanne Arnold, [email protected], (609) 610-4957 (M)

Washington, D.C. (July 1, 2021) – Save the Children Action Network is thrilled with the South Carolina state budget, released today, which historically expands the state’s public four-year-old kindergarten program. Before today’s announcement, only four-year-olds residing in low-income school districts could access publicly funded 4K. But, now, all South Carolina four-year-olds from income-eligible families can enroll, no matter where they live.

“Today is a huge win for South Carolina’s kids. I applaud Governor McMaster for being a strong proponent of expanding 4K, and sincerely thank our legislators for setting aside party differences to do what’s right for South Carolina’s kids, families and overall future,” said Deborah DePaoli, South Carolina State Manager for Save the Children Action Network. “While this expansion has been a priority since before the pandemic, it is all the more important now as so many South Carolina families face increased child care needs and economic hardship due to COVID-19.”

Over the past year and a half, Save the Children Action Network advocates in South Carolina have been advocating for the expansion of 4K, testifying before the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children, sending postcards to state policymakers, writing Letters to the Editor in local newspapers, and making phone calls to leaders of the budgeting committees.

“Today’s victory is proof that grassroots advocacy works, even in the midst of a global pandemic. I’m incredibly proud of the tireless advocacy efforts undertaken by our volunteers over the past year and a half,” continued DePaoli. “Their dedication has given thousands of South Carolina kids the opportunity to get the best possible start in life, setting a strong foundation for an undoubtedly bright future.”

Save the Children Action Network – together with its nearly 9,000 advocates in South Carolina – will continue to advocate on behalf of South Carolina’s children and families to ensure they have the opportunity to thrive like never before.  

 

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Save the Children Action Network was created in 2014 as the political advocacy arm of Save the Children, to be the political voice for kids. We work to ensure that the issues critical to children’s lives and futures are given top priority by our elected leaders, building bipartisan support to make sure every child has a strong start in life. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.