WHEREAS, 30% of the children who enter school are already behind intellectually, socially, emotionally, or physically; and

WHEREAS, numerous studies have substantiated the success of children who participate in high quality pre-kindergarten programs; and

WHEREAS, a universal statewide pre-kindergarten program will ensure that every child develops the social, emotional and cognitive skills needed for school success and success later in life; and

WHEREAS, states such as Georgia, New York, Oklahoma, and North Carolina have invested in statewide pre-kindergarten programs; and

WHEREAS, current sources of funding are insufficient to support the demand of pre-kindergarten programs; and

WHEREAS, research tells us that for every dollar invested in the early years of a child's life, seven dollars are saved in special education, remedial programs, juvenile justice and governmental assistance; and

WHEREAS, as stated in Miami Mayor Penelas' Universal Pre-Kindergarten Whitepaper, the intent in establishing a statewide pre-kindergarten program should not be detrimental to any existing state programming. The state should exhibit its commitment to the public's mandate for pre-kindergarten education by identifying a new funding source;

NOW THERFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the League of United Latin American Citizens supports the Florida Constitutional Amendment proposed by Alex Penelas, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the implementation of universal pre-kindergarten.

Submitted by Armando Pomar, Florida LULAC State Director.

Approved this 29th day of June, 2002.

Hector M. Flores
LULAC National President