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ECFE families thanked for letters

To the editor:
Thanks North Branch Area Schools ECFE families for contacting your legislators.
Many families with young children have been following the news and budget discussion at the capitol because of the proposed cuts for funding in Early Childhood Family Education.
The Governorís budget proposal includes a change in the funding formula translating to a 36.3 percent cut in funding for ECFE in the North Branch school system.
ECFE is a universal access program which means everyone can participate and be encouraged and supported in the important job of being their childrenís first and most significant teacher.
In our school district, 87 percent of the children ages birth to kindergarten entry participate in ECFE. Parents are concerned because a change in the funding would indicate a change in the focus of the program.
Parents have begun a letter-writing campaign to share their message with legislators.
The message is clear, everyone should do their part to balance the budget but 36 percent from one program is too much.
ìEvery dollar invested in early childhood has a 12 percent real public return and a real public and private return of 16 percent.î -Rob Grunewald and Art Rolnick, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Minnesotaís ECFE program is a national model and has documented a positive impact with a lasting effect.
Families involved in ECFE are more likely to stay involved in their childís kindergarten-high school education.
ECFE is an essential component of general education. I would like to thank the parents for their generous support and for making the effort to share their passion with the leaders in the great state of Minnesota.
When the message regarding ECFE from the Governor is disheartening, the public support is encouraging. Thank you.
Donna Hubbard, ECFE
Advisory Council
chairwoman,
Christi Fisk, ECFE Advisory Council chairwoman-elect, Kerry Moberg, Early childhood Program Coordinator North Branch Schools

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