Letter to the Editor

Delighted by Commonwealth’s budget

Dear Editor:

The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2019. As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of For Kids Only Afterschool – a nonprofit organization serving Winthrop families for 34 years – I am delighted that this budget included the largest investment in early education and afterschool programming in a decade, thanks in large part to the efforts of our very own legislators.

I would like to thank both Speaker Robert A. DeLeo for his unwavering leadership on behalf of vulnerable children and struggling working families and Senator Joseph A. Boncore who each prioritized the historic investment in high-quality early education in the state budget.

This important investment includes $20 million for an early educator salary rate reserve and $10 million for an early educator workforce development initiative. A well-trained, skilled and stable early childhood and afterschool workforce is the most important contributing factor to program quality.  These new resources will help Massachusetts level the playing field for young children across the state, providing them with a strong start in life and a foundation for success in school.

The Board and staff team at For Kids Only Afterschool are grateful for Speaker DeLeo and Senator Boncore’s commitment to supporting the dedicated early education and afterschool professionals who care for our most vulnerable children.

Deborah Kneeland Keegan

Co-Founder and Executive Director, For Kids Only Afterschool