FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Suzanne Arnold, [email protected], (609) 610-4957
Lacey Daniell-Miller, [email protected], (505) 480-2246
Early learning advocates from across New Mexico encourage lawmakers to protect the newly established Early Childhood Trust Fund from cuts during special session
Albuquerque, NM (June 17, 2020) – Save the Children Action Network (SCAN) together with its 4,500 advocates in New Mexico are urging local policymakers to protect the Early Childhood Trust Fund during the upcoming special session. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature made early childhood education a top priority with the creation of this first-of-its-kind $320 million fund which would ensure vital early childhood education programs have funding now and in the future.
“The Early Childhood Trust Fund provides New Mexico’s kids the opportunity to live bright and successful futures. Therefore, it must be protected,” said Lacey Daniell-Miller, SCAN New Mexico State Manager. “The legislature’s approval of the fund in February was a tremendous victory that SCAN and our allies fought hard for. SCAN’s early learning advocates testified at hearings, gathered petition signatures, wrote letters to the editor and met with their lawmakers to achieve this win. They will now fight equally as hard to ensure the fund is preserved.”
The New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee recently released a report which found there was a return of six dollars for every one dollar spent on preschool. The report also found that participants in New Mexico’s inaugural preschool program show improved graduation rates, especially for low income children and English language learners.
Daniell-Miller went on to say, “The results of this report speak volumes. Continued investment in early learning programs is hugely important not only for New Mexico children, but also for our local economy and state budget. Now is not the time to slow down investment in our children.”
Today, SCAN delivered constituent petitions to state lawmakers urging them to protect the Early Childhood Trust Fund from budget cuts during the special session. SCAN and its dedicated group of advocates, supporters and partners will continue to support this fund and advocate for this crucial investment in early childhood education.
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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.