Statement from Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson in Support of Universal Pre-K

“It is imperative that our public schools remedy the drastic achievement gap in order for the youth of New York City to be properly prepared for college or a career.  Currently, only 13 percent of black and Latino students are considered prepared for college or a career.  The educational value of a universal pre-K program cannot be overestimated.  It creates a desire for learning and creativity that has the potential to stay with a student throughout his or her life.  The future of our city, state and nation depend on a well-educated and skilled workforce and universal pre-K sets the stage for this to occur.  For the majority of my tenure in the State Senate, my colleagues and I have voted in support of allowing cities and counties to decide what is for them and their residents.  New York City must be given this same respect.”