Title
Authorizing Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Jane Prince, and Council Aides Taina Maki and Stephanie Harr to Solicit Funds for Saint Paul 3K.
Body
WHEREAS early childhood education is one of the best investments Saint Paul can make in the overall health, well-being, and future success of children and their families; and
WHEREAS early childhood education helps eliminate opportunity and achievement gaps, decreases the poverty rate through support of parents, and provides an economic boost for families who no longer have to worry about the expenses of child care; and
WHEREAS there are currently nearly 950 children on waiting lists for early childhood education, and too many Saint Paul children are not ready for kindergarten; and
WHEREAS Minnesota is the 5th most expensive state for childcare, putting a strain on families across Saint Paul and often leading to gender inequities when one parent stays home; and
WHEREAS many cities across the country have initiated their own preschool programs to fill the funding gap left by the state and federal government; and
WHEREAS a Steering Committee comprised of the City of Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Saint Paul Public Schools and the community has been formed to investigate a coordinated Saint Paul 3K program to provide equitable access to affordable, high-quality preschool for all three- and four-year old children in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS the Steering Committee would like to raise funds for future investigation of the project, including the hiring of a consultant to advance program design; and
WHEREAS, the Wilder Foundation has agreed to be a fiscal sponsor for Saint Paul 3K; and
WHEREAS Councilmembers Jane Prince and Rebecca Noecker are members of the Steering Committee, Legislative Aide Taina Maki staffs the committee and Legislative Aide Stephanie Harr supports CM Prince’s work; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council supports the efforts of the Saint Paul 3K Steering Committee; and be it further
RESOLVED, that Councilmember Rebecca Noecker, Councilmember Jane Prince, and Legislative Aides Taina Maki and Stephanie Harr are authorized to solicit funds on behalf of the Council to support Saint Paul 3K, such funds to be donated to and administered by the Wilder Foundation.