A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to take the action necessary to fully fund an early childhood education program in Tennessee.

WHEREAS, research has proven that a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional development is in large part shaped by the child’s experiences between birth and the age of six; and

WHEREAS, many children in Tennessee enter kindergarten lacking the necessary cognitive and social skills to succeed in school; and

WHEREAS, a disproportionate number of these unprepared children come from low-income families; and

WHEREAS, high quality pre-kindergarten programs have proven to be successful in preparing at-risk children for school; and

WHEREAS, according to a 2001 Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth report, Tennessee is far behind states such as North Carolina and Georgia in funding early childhood education programming; and

WHEREAS, studies have shown that every dollar spent on early childhood education will result in a savings of seven dollars in future expenditures for negative outcomes associated with unprepared children; and

WHEREAS, on November 5, 2002, the voters of the State of Tennessee voted to amend the Tennessee Constitution to authorize the legislature to enact a state lottery to provide college scholarships to Tennessee citizens, with any surplus lottery proceeds to be used for capital projects for educational facilities or early education programs; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee General Assembly take the action necessary to fully fund early childhood education programs in Tennessee, including the use of surplus funds from the state lottery proceeds.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to take the action necessary to fully fund an early childhood education program in Tennessee.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, Diane Neighbors