[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18649]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        SMART FROM THE START PRESCHOOL EDUCATION FOR AMERICA ACT

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the Smart from the 
Start Preschool Education for America Act. This bill would help more 
American families have access to high-quality, voluntary preschool 
education for their children.
  Research tells us that a child's first five years are critical to 
their future development. Think of the young children you know--they 
are curious and inquisitive and eager to learn. A high quality 
preschool education can capitalize on children's curiosity and promote 
learning, enhance brain development and lead to future gains in higher 
education and employment. Children who attend preschool education 
programs are more likely to graduate from high school and to be 
employed in adulthood.
  Given all that we know about the benefits of a preschool education, 
it is long past time that we start investing in preschool education as 
a Nation. I am proud that my home State of California has been a 
pioneer in the efforts to provide high-quality preschool education. I 
expect that in the years to come we will see that California's 
investment in early childhood education will pay off with stronger 
classrooms and schools and a well-prepared and educated workforce.
  I think that California's investment should be a nationwide 
investment. That's why I am introducing the Smart from the Start 
Preschool Education for America Act. It is time for our Nation to have 
a serious investment in our most precious assets--our children. I urge 
my colleagues to support high-quality, voluntary preschool education--
our Nation's future depends on it.

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