Cruize is an active, adventurous little girl living in rural Tennessee. But 30% of the people in her county live below the national poverty level, meaning early learning and literacy programs are out of reach for many kids in her community. Kids who live in poverty and don't have access to early learning programs too often start school not ready to succeed.
Investing in early childhood education is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty. Extensive research has shown that early education programs are critical to kids' success in school and life. Yet, two out of every five kids in America aren't in preschool.
Now there is a new way to expand investments in early education programs by leveraging public-private funding. Legislation called the Social Impact Partnership Act (S. 1089/H.R. 1336) could help fund an expansion of high-quality early learning programs in the U.S. By scaling up effective programs, such as early learning and literacy programs, more kids like Cruize would have the opportunity to succeed in school.
To build momentum for this bill, we need more cosponsors. If members of Congress hear from people like you in their district, they'll know this legislation is a priority for them.
Please take action to urge your members of Congress to cosponsor the Social Impact Partnership Act and help kids like Cruize have an opportunity to succeed.
Subject: Cosponsor the Social Impact Partnership Act (S. 1089/H.R. 1336)
Dear [Your members of Congress],
I’m writing to ask you to cosponsor the Social Impact Partnership Act (S. 1089/H.R. 1336). Sponsored by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representatives Todd Young (R-IN) and John Delaney (D-MD), this bipartisan legislation would expand effective social interventions, like early learning programs.
This legislation would allow private and philanthropic investors to enter into contracts with the government to fund scientifically proven programs that serve a public good while also saving the government money. The outcomes of these programs are rigorously evaluated to assess if predetermined goals are met. These goals are intended to save state and federal tax dollars by avoiding more costly interventions in the future.
A portion of the savings would be used to repay investors with a modest return. If the outcomes are not met, no taxpayer money is spent.
This model is an innovative way already being used in other states to finance programs like early childhood education. For example, Utah funded its School Readiness Initiative using a public-private partnership investment model. The School Readiness Initiative expanded early education programs to low-income, at-risk children.
During this time of budget constraints, this bill would help scale up programs that are critical to our communities, like early education, without spending significant taxpayer dollars. It’s a win-win!
[Your comments here]
Please cosponsor the Social Impact Partnership Act (S. 1089/H.R. 1336).
Sincerely,
[Your name]
