Putting Our Kids First

Statement

Last night, I was at a gym full of hundreds of kids in Halloween costumes at the Barelas Community Center. I was recognized for my advocacy working to make sure that the 21st Century Learning Centers program stayed open despite efforts by Republicans in Congress to close its doors.

What is the 21st Century Learning Program? It's one of the best educational programs you've never heard about. I first toured a 21st Century after school program about five years ago. What really impressed me was that unlike many after school programs, 21st Century was curriculum based. No baby sitting here. This program doesn't just keep kids off the streets -- it provides them with additional instruction and tutoring to make them better students.

The 21st Century Learning Program provides academic enrichment opportunities for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low performing schools. It helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

As a City Councilor I was lucky enough to get two 21st Century sites in my council district. However, to my dismay, I learned the Bush Administration and the Republicans in Congress were pushing big cuts for this effective program which would mean that several of Albuquerque's 21st Century sites might have to close.

Much to the relief of the families and students who utilize this program, I was able to secure enough city funds to keep these sites running this year, but they aren't out of the woods yet. President Bush and the Republicans in Congress are determined to cut funding for this essential program next year. For the Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans, educating America's kids and protecting the fabric of our neighborhoods is unfortunately, not a budget priority.

The fact that these proven after school programs aren't a priority in Washington DC epitomizes the wrongheaded priorities that inspired me run for Congress. In Congress, I'll fight to make sure that education programs that work get the funding that they need. Please join me in this campaign and I promise that I'll put our kids first again.

Source