An Open Letter to Idaho Legislators on Early Childhood Education Funding from the Idaho Chapter of MWEG

Dear Idaho legislators,

On behalf of the Idaho chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (MWEG), we call on you to vote yes on SB 1193 in support of early childhood education funding for the state of Idaho. These previously approved funds will cost the citizens of Idaho nothing to accept — but will pay significant dividends for them in the years to come.

Our children, who make up 20% of our population and all of our future, need access to early childhood education to prepare for their K-12 education. Idaho is one of only four states that does not fund education for children under 5. Local school boards and education collaboratives, who know their communities well, understand the significant ways this can set children back and so have cobbled together monies to build local ECE programs.

This grant will provide additional funds at no cost to the state of Idaho for much-needed training, equipment, and technology that is not possible now due to the lack of resources.

In the fall of 2019, Governor Little committed to improve early literacy and school readiness because of startling statistics like these:

• 58% of Idaho kindergartners are not starting school with age-appropriate pre-literacy skills
• 64% of Idaho third graders are not meeting grade-level reading skills

We believe our state leaders do NOT want our children to lose ground educationally when compared with children of other states. As our state legislators, you can provide a solid educational foundation for every Idaho child by voting for this grant.

Mormon Women for Ethical Government believes we are morally accountable to and for each other — including our children — in our communities and across our state. Our children are this state’s most precious resource. As stated in the Idaho 2020 early childhood care and education assessment, all children, especially our children from families most in need, will benefit from stronger and more accessible ECCE programs.

MWEG declares that economic and social inequity damage the moral fabric of our society and weaken democratic governments. Each of us, including our representative government, should implement measures that promote equality of opportunity for their fellow human beings.

We strongly urge you to support this bill to strengthen Idaho’s children.

Sincerely,
The Idaho Chapter of Mormon Women for Ethical Government