“His leadership and dedication to early childhood education make him the ideal candidate to represent the newly redrawn state senate district 36“

 

WASHINGTON, DC (May 23, 2023) – Today, Save the Children Action Network, a leading political voice for children, proudly announces its endorsement of State Senator George Barker in the upcoming Virginia Primary Election on June 20. This endorsement recognizes Barker’s commitment as a proven champion for early learning and education for children and families in Virginia. 

In 2023, Senator George Barker served as the chief patron of SB 1404, which established a new Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education. The Commission will support accountability as well as long-term fiscal planning and investments to expand access to and the quality of Virginia’s public-private child care system. As the co-chair of the Senate Appropriations and Finance Committee, he is well-positioned to advocate for the resources to support early care and education initiatives that prioritize the needs of Virginia’s children and families. 

“Save the Children Action Network is proud to endorse State Senator George Barker in his bid for re-election. His leadership and dedication to solving the child care crisis make him the ideal candidate to represent the newly redrawn state senate district 36,” said Christy Gleason, Save the Children Action Network’s Executive Director. “By championing investments in early care and education for children in Virginia, he shares our commitment to ensure a brighter future for Virginia’s children.” 

There is an urgent need for action to expand access to quality child care in Virginia. Among working parents in the state, 68% report that someone in their household is currently affected by a lack of child care. These impacts include reducing work hours, taking time off, or even leaving the workforce altogether. Of those affected, 86% have stated that they would rejoin the workforce if their families had access to quality child care.  

In conjunction with the endorsement, Save the Children Action Network is set to launch a digital ad campaign in support of Senator Barker’s bid for reelection.