To: Rep. Perry, L.,
Subject: Vote YES on HB96 - School Readiness Bill
Date: 2014-02-10T22:13:55Z
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. This bill would provide high-quality preschool to kids who are at-risk and don't have the same opportunities as other kids. It is a voluntary program for parents to enroll their children in high-quality preschool and is directed at children who, because of their parents' income level, are eligible for free or reduced lunch when they start school. I believe this program is essential to their future success in school and in life. I have a three-and-a-half year old granddaughter who goes to preschool two days a week, the same amount of time for three-year-olds as the proposed high-quality preschool in the bill. She loves it! She has learned all of her letters, and their sounds, as well as her numbers, and her shapes. Last week-end, we were making stars out of Play-Dough and she was talking about the constellations. I was amazed! You will never be able to convince me that having these experiences is not going to benefit her as she progresses through school and into life. She is very shy and going to preschool has also helped with her socialization. She is much more willing to interact with people and to play with others. High-quality preschool works! Participation ensures that low-income children enter kindergarten on-track with their peers and reach proven benchmarks. It also 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 of dollars 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. Please support this VITAL legislation for our kids, our communities, and for the future of our state. All kids deserve the chance to succeed. Sincerely, Ms. Deborah Bayle 1955 E Innsbruck Way Salt Lake City, UT 84121-1370 (801) 674-3052