To: Rep. Perry, L.,
Subject: I Urge You to Vote Yes on HB96!
Date: 2014-02-11T15:15:44Z
Body:
Feb 11, 2014 Representative Lee Perry State Capitol , Suite 350 350 North State Street Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Dear Representative Perry, I am writing to ask that you support school readiness and vote YES on HB96. Preschool is one of the most proven interventions to ending poverty and closing the achievement gap. The research is almost shocking as to the efficacy of running high quality preschool. The two most notable research projects are the Perry Preschool Project, and the Abecedarian Preschool. On average, the Return On Investment (ROI) for preschool, to the state, is $7 for every $1 invested. Some estimates are as high as $11. Preschool keeps kids out of special education, out of incarceration, and off of public services, so it saves the state money. Preschool has lifelong effects for kids in poverty. In the Perry Preschool Project and the Abecedarian Project, kids who went to preschool, 30 years later, had better marriage rates, lower rates of children young or out of wedlock, lower rates of public service dependence, lower incarceration rates, and on and on. PRESCHOOL IS OPTIONAL TO FAMILIES. The main point of opposition to preschool is often that the state has no business in family affairs for kids this young and the misperception that preschool is mandatory. We all know that kids do better in school if they go to preschool, and that this is something many parents want, not all. In the case that a family wants to help their kids do better, and it has so many societal benefits, let's help them out. Sincerely, Mr. Scott McLeod 353 E Milton Ave Salt Lake City, UT 84115-1725 (801) 856-3886