Historic and Life Changing
 More than four million Pennsylvania children in our state alone will live better lives with Build Back Better.
This historic legislation that passed the U.S. House this morning will help kids throughout the Commonwealth – children in both Democratic and Republican homes.
Build Back Better will bring enormous social and economic value to Pennsylvania. It’s exactly what investing in children really looks like. It’s not a patchwork of fixes; it is a seismic policy shift that recognizes the importance of early education as a fundamental contributor to our country’s success.
The work isn’t over, though. The U.S. Senate will consider the House-approved legislation and its success depends on people like you calling your senators to express your support. Senator Toomey (202-224-4254) and Senator Casey (202-224-6324) need to hear from us all now.
It’s ironic that while Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy droned on for more than eight hours last night to delay the passage of Build Back Better, the new Racial Equity Early Childhood Provider Council met for the first time with the intention of advancing change.
Children First created this Council to tap into the expertise of diverse early childhood educators and improve the quality of programs and services for young children and their families. The Council will identify ways that our early childhood systems can nurture and support healthy development of all children, especially Black and Brown children who continue to struggle.
Build Back Better sets the stage for broad, national change, but its on the local level where the rubber hits the road. Change really happens in families and neighborhoods. Last night, the 50-member Council came together with hope and openness, ideas and enthusiasm. (See the list.) While McCarthy was predicting hellfire and doom, providers were coming together to support one another and commit themselves to a better future for children. The difference could not have been starker.
By combining the federal powerhouse of Build Back Better with the local expertise of dedicated early education professionals, we are using all of our resources to meet the needs of children and their families while working toward racial equity. |
