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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Rep. Hanna visits child development center
in support of early childhood education
HARRISBURG, June 18 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, visited the Discovery Child Development Center in State College earlier this month to show his support for continued funding for early childhood education in the 2009-10 state budget.
A version of the budget passed in May by the state Senate (S.B. 850), would have slashed funding by more than 50 percent for several early childhood education programs, including Teacher Professional Development, Pre-K Counts and public libraries. The House Appropriations Committee rejected the Senate bill, and Hanna said House leaders are working to craft a budget proposal which makes responsible cuts to address the state's revenue shortfall while maintaining funding for important programs, such as early childhood education, which keep Pennsylvania moving forward.
"One of the keys to success in Pennsylvania is quality early education," Hanna said. "These early opportunities help our children begin school ready to learn and gain a leading edge in their academic achievement.
"We are already seeing the difference some of these programs are making in improved achievement and school readiness in Pennsylvania," he said. "These programs are important for Pennsylvania's future work force and for the future of Pennsylvania's economy."
Discovery, a child development center for children from 6 weeks of age through kindergarten, offers a developmentally appropriate, inclusive, educational curriculum. Teachers plan a daily schedule of activities designed to enhance the social, cognitive and physical development of the children.