Dear Early Start Allies,
Last year, you fought hard to get Early Start fully re-funded. Your letters, calls, and advocacy pushed it into the rare spot of being a program seriously discussed by the Legislature - but funding wasn't restored. This year, we're pushing again to Renew Early Start. And you need to tell key legislators to fully fund Early Start. The time to act is now! But why? Grant's story speaks for itself.
That young lad above is Grant. At age two, he stopped talking, playing with his big sister, and interacting with his family. But he received Early Start services. As his mother Rachel put it, "to be blunt, the regional center saved my son... he no longer requires any resources from the regional center or the State of California."
Serious cuts in 2009 ended access to Early Start for infants at risk of a developmental disability - whether born prematurely, born to a parent with a developmental disability, or prenatal drug exposure. And, despite the obvious benefit to children like Grant, eligibility for services to toddlers between ages two and three was sharply tightened. Children with similar challenges might be missing out on these life-changing services.
Now we can fix that. Two key budget subcommittees in the Legislature are having their first discussions of developmental services funding. One is next Tuesday the 19th, and the other is a week from Wednesday, the 27th. Those committee members must hear from you!
It just takes two easy steps to help this happen. Sign the petition to renew Early Start! This message will go to the Budget subcommittee members, and key players in the legislature. And second, if you got the message directly, click the big button below and forward it to your friends! Or if you received it from a friend, join our mailing list to stay in the know!
"I hope all boys and girls in California can get the help I did." - Grant
Will you help that happen?
|
|
