From: Stacey Benson
To: Rep. Perry, L.,
Subject: Please Vote Yes on HB96!
Date: 2014-02-11T04:44:39Z
Body:

Feb 10, 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. Hello: I don't have kids of my own yet, but I went to preschool. I came from a home where my father worked full time and my move stayed at home with me, my brother and my sister. Once we were of age, we went to preschool for a few hours each day. While we were away, my mother volunteered for different local communities. Once we were in school full time, my mother started to work full time. My siblings and I all went on to receive college degrees, two of us earned masters. We all have stable careers, contribute to our communities and love our mother. My childhood friend, in the same neighborhood, had a different experience. Her family was maybe one step below mine in socio-economic status. Her mother also stayed at home while her father worked. My friend and her siblings did not attend preschool. The mother began to work once the kids were in junior high. My friend and her siblings only obtained a high school education. One has three children by different fathers and does not have steady work, one moves from temp agency to temp agency, the other is rumored to be a drug dealer. They too, love their mother. How could the opportunity to learn in a structured environment be bad for kids? It's early preparation for the long road ahead. I mothers who are active outside the home are role models and influential to kids. High-quality preschool is a proven strategy that changes the odds for at-risk children who lack opportunity. Participation in a high-quality preschool increases their chances of graduating from high school, receiving post-secondary education, and obtaining a stable job, which ultimately, saves the state and taxpayers millions by avoiding costly remediation programs. HB96 will offer an innovative way to partner with the private sector, increase the number of at-risk students who can access high-quality preschool programs, and ensure that children are ready to learn. This legislation is so important for the long term success of children and our communities, and state. HB96 provides at-risk children with opportunities for a better life! Please vote yes today. Sincerely, Mrs. Stacey Benson 625 S State St Unit B Salt Lake City, UT 84111-3881 (801) 671-9994