Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF) has worked with policymakers and engaged the public across the state on the need for quality pre-K for almost 25 years. We’ve done the research and evaluated outside studies in Arkansas and others states. We have proof that investing in quality pre-K is one of the biggest policy bangs for our buck. We’ve held countless outreach events to educate families, policymakers, and other stakeholders about why quality pre-K is so important, not only to our kids but also for working families and our state’s economy.

We know it works. You know it works. Now lawmakers need to hear from you.

After nine long years of flat funding for the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program, we are very close to securing a significant funding increase this legislative session. AACF and other partners have made a bold ask for $20 million in new funding to provide a long-overdue cost of living increase for current ABC programs. Private and school-based ABC providers have told us that without this increase, the quality of our existing slots is beginning to suffer. Many ABC programs are struggling to recruit and retain the best teachers for our tiniest citizens, especially in rural areas. Basic facilities maintenance and curriculum needs have been put on the backburner, so that programs can continue to make payroll. Some ABC program directors have even cut their own salaries in order to help keep great teachers in the classroom, serving some of our most vulnerable children.

This week, Reps. Mat Pitsch (R) and Clarke Tucker (D) spoke out about the urgent need for increasing our state’s investment in this proven program. This is truly a rare bi-partisan issue that many other legislators are working together to make happen this session. Governor Hutchinson has even made pre-K a priority in his budget, with the hope that the General Assembly would step up to provide the needed funding on their end as well.

But this victory won’t happen without your help. Most legislators already know the impact of quality pre-K on working families in their district and our economy as a whole. But they need to hear from YOU that this funding must take priority over another round of massive tax cuts and other legislation that does nothing to help our children, our families, our education system, or the future of our workforce.

Please click the following link and contact your legislators TODAY!