FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Brendan Daly, [email protected], (202) 794-1580
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 1, 2019) – Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) CEO Mark Shriver released the following statement applauding Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for highlighting her plan for universal pre-K in her Inaugural Address.
“With her plan to make universal access to pre-kindergarten a reality for every New Mexico family, Governor Lujan Grisham is building a strong foundation for children in the state and following through on the pledge she made during the campaign,” Shriver said.
Shriver noted that New Mexico schools are ranked 49th in the nation and pre-school enrollment is ranked 44th.
“New Mexico shouldn’t be lagging the country in early education, it should be leading it,” Shriver said. “By investing in early childhood education, Governor Lujan Grisham will ensure a strong start for New Mexico’s children and a better future for the entire state.”
Research from Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Heckman has found the rate of return on investment in early childhood development for many children can be 13 percent per child, per year, due to improved outcomes in education, health, sociability and economic productivity.
SCAN endorsed Lujan Grisham in last year’s election, and this year will work to mobilize New Mexicans in support of the governor’s early learning agenda.
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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.