As we prepare for the 2010 legislative session, we need everyone's assistance to make sure that policy makers in our state are aware of the challenges that we face to provide the children of our communities with a high-quality early education experience. Next year's session will be particularly important because of the state of our nation's economy. As citizens, business owners, and community partners, it is important that we stand together in support of continued funding for children. With unemployment at 11% of our workforce (over one million Floridians are jobless), there is no question that we all need to do our part to help the families of our communities through this most difficult time.

We have set up a legislative link on our website, found here. On that link you can find information about how to contact your legislators, and get up-to-date information on legislative news and events taking place throughout our state. We encourage you to visit our website weekly for updates and to make sure that you become familiar with the issues and the process so that you can take action as you deem appropriate.

Please also know that in Manatee County we are only serving 51% of our county's 4-year olds in our state Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program. This program is an entitlement to all Florida children regardless of household income. This is a loss of almost 8 million dollars a year in FREE education for our children, just in Manatee County. Please get the word out that if you have a child that turns 4 years old before September 1st, they are eligible to choose any VPK provider in Manatee County to attend VPK. If your child care center does not currently have a VPK program talk to them about starting one.

As we enjoy the start of 2010, the ELC staff, the Board of Directors, and I wish you our best.

Sincerely,

Paul A. Sharff
Chief Executive Officer
Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County