Media Contact: Allie Wright, [email protected], (202) 794-1823

Nashville, Tenn. (April 18, 2018) – The Tennessee state budget approved by lawmakers today includes an additional $1.4 million in recurring funding for voluntary home visiting programs as well as $500,000 in new funding for Breakfast After the Bell programs.

“We are grateful to Republican and Democratic lawmakers in Tennessee – especially members of the House and Senate Budget Committees – who prioritized children and critical home visiting programs in this budget, which will result in more children having access to a quality early childhood education,” said Kris Perry, President of Save the Children Action Network. “These programs are proven to have long-lasting positive impacts, including improving literacy skills and reducing child abuse and neglect.”

Home visiting is a voluntary program that connects trained members of the community with families with young children to help give parents tools to promote early childhood development.

“Children need nutritious meals in order to focus and learn in school,” said Perry. “Thankfully, lawmakers understand this and we are grateful for the additional investment in Breakfast After the Bell programs that will ensure more kids are ready for the school day.”

“We look forward to continuing to work with state lawmakers and the governor in order to ensure all children in Tennessee have an equal shot at a bright future,” she said.

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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.