If passed in December, Proposition 2 – also known as the Library and Early Education Millage – would provide funding for affordable, high-quality early education programs for children in New Orleans, Louisiana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Washington, D.C. (November 16, 2020) – Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) is proud to endorse Proposition 2 – the Library and Early Childhood Education Millage – in New Orleans. Proposition 2 would authorize city government to levy a special property tax for 20 years, generating an estimated one and a half million dollars for early childhood education programs in 2021. Currently, there are nearly 9,000 low-income children under the age of four who are unable to access high-quality early childhood education programs due to unaffordable costs. Therefore, if passed, Proposition 2 would be an important step in the right direction, getting New Orleans closer to addressing the needs of children and families.

“In December, New Orleans voters have the unprecedented opportunity to ensure low-income kids have the chance to thrive and succeed through access to affordable and high-quality early education programs,” said Mark Shriver, President of SCAN. “It’s simple – early education changes lives. That’s one of the many reasons SCAN is excited to support this campaign and continue to get out the vote for kids. I urge New Orleanians to vote ‘yes’ for Proposition 2. A ‘yes’ vote is a vote for a brighter future – not just for kids, but for all of New Orleans.”

SCAN is working with coalition partners, including the Yes for Children’s Success Campaign Committee, to support Proposition 2 through in-kind contributions, voter engagement activities, and various public education initiatives. A SCAN-produced advertisement has now launched on digital platforms across Orleans Parish, highlighting the importance of Proposition 2. 

“The pandemic has proven that parents and families need affordable, high-quality child care in order to get back to work, confident in knowing their kids are in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Scott Tippett, SCAN Louisiana State Manager. “This funding will help ease the financial burdens many families are facing in light of COVID-19 and make quality child care more accessible for our littlest learners.”

SCAN will continue to work with coalition partners to campaign for Proposition 2, educating voters on the vital importance of early childhood education and care, and encouraging them to vote ‘yes’ on Saturday, December 5.

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Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) 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.