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MinnCAN Executive Director Vallay Varro put out the following statement following the announcement of the conference committee for the omnibus education bill:
“MinnCAN urges conference committee members Rep. Pat Garofalo, Rep. Sondra Erickson, Rep. Tim Kelly, Rep. Connie Doepke , and Rep. Dan Fabian to support the Senator Geoff Michel amendment to Senate File 1030 to preserve the pre-K rating system. This amendment is a lifeline for quality preschool choice in Minnesota. A child’s social, emotional and intellectual readiness for kindergarten predicts their later success in school, work, and life. Fifty years of research demonstrate that students from high-quality pre-K programs score significantly higher in reading and math, are less likely to drop out of school, repeat grades, or need special education, and are more likely to enroll in college. Kids with access to high-quality pre-K are significantly more likely later on to be employed and financially stable, pay taxes, own a home, avoid drug use, stay out of jail and stay married. We cannot continue to turn a blind eye towards quality early learning opportunities if we are serious about making sure every Minnesota child gets the kind of start they need to be successful in school and in life. We will not stop until every Minnesota child has access to a great public school, and giving parents the tools they need to make informed decisions is a critical part to that achieving goal.”