Statement from Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson in Support of Universal Pre-K
Ruth Hassell-Thompson
February 19, 2014
-
ISSUE:
- Education
“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.”