PRE-K OUR WAY APPLAUDS ASSEMBLYWOMAN JASEY FOR INTRODUCING BIPARTISAN PRE-K EXPANSION LEGISLATION

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Pre-K Our Way, a nonprofit, statewide effort that helps New Jersey’s communities bring high-quality pre-k to their children, applauds Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey (D-27) for introducing bipartisan legislation to expand New Jersey’s high-quality preschool program to more than 100 New Jersey communities.

New Jersey has one of the most successful and high-quality public preschool programs in the country; however, fewer than 40 communities have access to one of these programs. Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Jasey, A-2572, calls for the implementation of a 2008 law that expanded preschool programs to more than 100 school districts and provides a specific funding source to support this expansion.

“With the sponsorship of this legislation, Assemblywoman Jasey is recognizing the transformative impact that preschool has on kids and the importance of this investment for New Jersey’s future,” said Sam Crane of Pre-K Our Way. “Pre-K Our Way thanks Assemblywoman Jasey for sponsoring pre-k expansion legislation that will make more New Jersey kids prepared for school and ready for success. This bipartisan action is an important first step in providing access for children across New Jersey and for removing barriers created by zip code.”

Assemblywoman Jasey announced the introduction of the bipartisan legislation last month at Clifton School 17 in Clifton, where she said, “NJ has the highest quality public pre-k, recognized both nationally and internationally, but the program is not available to every child in NJ. Where a child lives shouldn’t determine whether they have access to high quality pre-k.”

Along with Assemblywoman Jasey, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32), Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan (D-18) and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R- 26) were initial sponsors of the legislation.

Assemblywoman Jasey represents the 27th Legislative District covering the following towns and cities in Essex and Morris Counties: Caldwell, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Essex Fells, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Livingston, Madison, Maplewood, Millburn, Roseland, South Orange, and West Orange.

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Pre-K Our Way, a nonpartisan and nonprofit community-based organization, coordinated through a diverse group of business leaders, parents, foundations, early childhood educators, community leaders interested citizens and elected officials, engages communities on expanding NJ’s existing high-quality public preschool for their children. Visit our website at www.prekourway.org for more information.