Dear Friends of Children:
 
As a result of the state failing to pass the early education portion of its 2009-2010 budget, Community Services for Children (CSC) must delay opening 12 of our 39 classrooms serving 233 preschoolers from poor families in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. These are among the most vulnerable children in the area!
 
CSC is forced to furlough 42 employees and reduce hours of an additional 88 employees between mid August and September 18th, representing between 10% and 20% reduction in pay for the period. About 46% of CSC's 280-person workforce is affected.
 
If the budget impasse remains unchanged by early September, we will need to reassess options to take more dramatic action, potentially affecting more children, families and staff.
 
In addition, the state has not reimbursed CSC for services already rendered in two other programs we operate: Child Care Information Services of Lehigh County and Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Keystone STARS program. The lack of payment has forced CSC to secure a $5 million line of credit, which will require a high interest repayment. 
  
I am asking you to let your state representative and senator know that saving a penny now will cost a pound later. We can't afford to balance the budget on the backs of poor children who need quality early education now. As you know, children entering school unprepared all too often remain behind!
 
Please ask your representtaive/senator to resume negotiations and support early education at last year's levels.
 
To find your state representative and contact information, go to http://www.legis.state.pa.us.
 
Thank you for your help!
 
Sincerely,
Jane R. Ervin
CEO/President