For those of you who reside in the City and County of Denver, your ballot includes a municipal proposal that asks voters to reauthorize and expand the sales tax utilized to fund preschool options for the city's youngest residents.
Measure 2A proposes a 10-year, dedicated 15 cent sales tax on a $100 purchase, with the proceeds funding current efforts and increased access to preschool services through summer programing, an expansion into full or extended day programing and increased tuition assistance as costs of service rise.
Since its inception in 2006, the Denver Preschool Program has helped families with a 4-year-old afford preschool through tuition assistance. To date, $55 million has been utilized. The program is scaled based on need, and parents have the ability to choose the model that works best for them - within the Denver Public Schools system, a community-based program, family child care setting or Montessori. Today, nearly three-quarters of the city's 4-year-olds are enrolled in a preschool program, one of the highest statistics in the country. And, data is showing that the experience is paying off with more school-ready children who are testing well in vocabulary, literacy and math.
Colorado Concern was a founding member of EPIC - Executives Partnering to Invest in Children - a CEO-based organization focused on the importance of early childhood education to our future workforce. EPIC has endorsed this measure, as has the Denver Post. Colorado Concern member Donna Lynne and Colorado Forum Executive Director Gail Klapper authored an op-ed in the Denver Business Journal noting their support. If you believe our future workforce is crucial to our economic success, Measure 2A deserves a yes vote.
Should you have questions about this ballot measure or any other, please do not hesitate to contact me attamra@coloradoconcern.com.
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