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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2006
Contact:
Nathan James, Yes on 82, 206-313-1673
Brian Brokaw, Angelides for Governor, 916-448-1998
Nick Velasquez, Westly for Governor, 818-314-8777
Phil Angelides and Steve Westly Endorse Prop. 82
California’s Treasurer and Controller Call Preschool for All a Critical Investment in EducationLOS ANGELES, CALIF. — Controller Steve Westly and Treasurer Phil Angelides put aside their campaign differences today to support Prop. 82, the Preschool for All initiative at Children’s Institute in Los Angeles. Calling the initiative a critical investment in our education system, the two leading candidates for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination urged Californians to pass Prop. 82 in June.
"As California’s fiscal watchdog, I know that providing preschool for every child is a smart investment in our future," said Controller Westly. "When we provide quality early education, kids start school ready to learn and succeed. Preschool puts our kids on a path of lifetime learning and can help us close the achievement gap that leaves so many students behind."
Westly and Angelides toured the Children’s Institute, nonprofit social services agency that helps children who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities.
"Every child in California deserves a world-class education and the opportunity to attend quality preschool," said Treasurer Angelides. "As State Treasurer, I am fighting to fully fund our schools, because giving our children the resources they need and access to preschool is essential if we are to prepare our kids to compete in the global economy. I am proud to support the Preschool for All Initiative and will do everything possible to ensure Proposition 82 passes on June 6."
Westly and Angelides are part of broad, bipartisan coalition of teachers, children's advocates, and law enforcement officials backing Prop. 82. Business leaders like the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce have joined organized labor -- including the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and the SEIU -- in supporting Preschool for All to strengthen our schools.
Los Angeles County faces a severe shortage of preschool with twice as many four-year-old children as licensed child care spaces.
"Today only one out of five children in California have access to quality preschool," said Catherine Atkin, President of the nonprofit Preschool California. "Prop. 82 will expand access, and just as important, it will improve the quality of existing preschool programs by raising the standards for preschool teachers and keeping class sizes small."
Studies show that children who go to quality preschool read earlier and learn faster. But only 20% of our children actually go to quality preschools. Prop 82 will provide a free, high-quality preschool education for every four-year old in California. It will provide trained, credentialed teachers in every classroom and more parental involvement. By sending more children to quality preschools, Prop 82 will strengthen our schools and improve education for all our kids. According to the Legislative Analyst, all revenues would be used for the new preschool program, and Prop 82 provides audits and criminal penalties, including possible jail time, for misuse of funds.
A 2005 study by the RAND Corporation found that the benefits of a universally available preschool program in California would greatly outweigh the costs. Economists estimated that every dollar invested in quality preschool would generate $2.62 in savings to California’s schools, criminal justice system, and through increased tax revenue to state and local governments. Benefits for Los Angeles County included: 3,200 fewer high school dropouts, 4,500 fewer children held back in school and 9,600 fewer juvenile arrests – a 26% reduction – per year.
Founded in 1906, Children's Institute, Inc. (CII) helps children in Los Angeles County who have been affected by violence in their homes or communities. CII serves more than 10,000 children and families each year through our treatment, prevention, early care and education, and community services programs. For more information, visit: www.childrensinstitute.org.
For more information about Prop. 82, visit: www.YesOn82.com.