No Back Seat for Kids this Election Day

Because it will be the new governor and his administration setting the agenda for 2011 and beyond, your vote - and your voice - will send an important message to Pennsylvania's next governor about the importance of PA's early learning programs, including Pre-K Counts, Head Start and Child Care Works.

The First Steps PA campaign (www.firststepspa.org) is the largest voter education and registration effort of its kind ever launched in Pennsylvania, and includes nearly 400 diverse organizations statewide.

A strong and well-funded early childhood education system is critical to our students and to our state's long-term success. We've made great strides in the Commonwealth during the last eight years and we cannot afford to stop now. The breadth and depth of the First Steps PA coalition reflects that progress and the need to keep moving forward.

The campaign will engage in a sustained, aggressive voter registration, education and "Get Out The Vote" effort across Pennsylvania.

By highlighting the success of Pennsylvania's early learning programs and how these benefit all Pennsylvanians, the First Steps PA campaign will ensure gubernatorial candidates keep funding for these programs a priority, and voters keep this as a key issue as they make their decision in the voting booth in November.

Please visit http://www.firststepspa.org to join the First Steps PA Campaign and learn more.

Joan L. Benso is president and CEO, PA Partnerships for Children