Doomsday Budget Proposal Jettisons Illinois's Standing As National Leader in Early...

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Mon May 18, 2009 8:11pm EDT 

Doomsday Budget Proposal Jettisons Illinois's Standing As National Leader in
Early Childhood Education

Plan would have devastating effects on education outcomes, economic health of
state

CHICAGO, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By eliminating $380 million in
funding for the Early Childhood Block Grant, the "Doomsday" budget scenario
outlined today by Governor Quinn would forfeit more than 20 years' worth of
progress made toward narrowing the achievement gap and improving the school
readiness of at-risk infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Illinois.  

"The doomsday scenario would be a true nightmare for more than 100,000 young
children dropped from Preschool for All and other early education programs,"
said Diana Rauner, Executive Director for the Ounce of Prevention Fund.  "By
preventing children from developing the skills needed to succeed in school and
later as part of the workforce, the cuts will have an equally grim impact on
the future health of Illinois's economy." 

The Ounce is calling on the governor and the General Assembly to ensure
adequate revenue to fully fund early childhood programs in the state. 
Illinois has long been regarded as a national leader in implementing
high-quality, public early childhood programs.  

The Ounce of Prevention Fund gives children in poverty the best chance for
success in school and in life by advocating for and providing the highest
quality care and education from birth to age five.

    Contact: Jelene Britten
    Office: (312) 348-3997
    Blackberry: (312) 714-6660
    jbritten@ounceofprevention.org

    Chaunda Roseborough-Smith
    Office: (312) 453-1947
    Blackberry: (773) 320-3719
    croseboroughsmith@ounceofprevention.org




SOURCE  The Ounce of Prevention Fund

Jelene Britten, Office: +1-312-348-3997, Blackberry: +1-312-714-6660,
jbritten@ounceofprevention.org, or Chaunda Roseborough-Smith, Office:
+1-312-453-1947, Blackberry: +1-773-320-3719,
croseboroughsmith@ounceofprevention.org, both of The Ounce of Prevention Fund
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