Vermonters were part of a national action, organized by the National Women's Law Center, called March Forth. On March 4, 2008, thousands of us emailed or called Congress to urge our federal lawmakers to support an increase in federal funding for child care (Child Care and Development Block Grant/CCDBG) and Head Start.

Here's what Melanie Ross Levin, Outreach Manager for the National Women's Law Center, wrote: "Thank you so much for all of your help in promoting the March Forth for Child Care and Head Start effort. We estimate that our collective efforts resulted in well over 25,000 communications to Members of Congress, including both e-mails and calls. We are pleased that the Senate Budget Committee Narrative discusses a $440 million increase for child care appropriations above the President’s request and mentions additional funding for Head Start. The Senate also includes a reserve fund for an increase in the mandatory portion of CCDBG. As you know, the budget is not binding but having these programs mentioned is a good first step."

We will keep you posted. As with our pre-k victory last June, the Kids Are Priority One Coalition's current subsidy campaign, and our efforts to increase federal funding for early care and education, every action we take--every call, every email, every conversation, every letter--makes a difference!

Kim Friedman
Organizing Director
Kids Are Priority One Coalition
(802) 348-9879
kfriedman@svcable.net