February 22, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY – Women leaders in entertainment, fashion, philanthropy, non-profit and business announced they have joined New York City’s First Lady Chirlane McCray in supporting New York City’s tax plan to fund universal pre-k and expanded after-school programs, and urged leaders in Albany to pass the City’s plan.
"All mothers know that raising kids is hard enough without having to worry about whether you can afford to provide them with the educational opportunities they need to succeed in school, work, and life. Study after study has shown that early childhood education is one of the best investments we can make in our children and the hard-working parents who raise them. I'm proud to be joined by such an incredible group of women to support New York City's plan for pre-k and after-school," Chirlane McCray.
Women who have joined UPKNYC include Marian Wright Edelman, Alicia Keys, Julianne Moore, Rosie O’Donnell, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rosie Perez, Gloria Steinem, and many others.
Economists and early childhood education experts agree that investments in pre-k and after-school programs provide major economic benefits in the short and long term. Investing in children early avoids costly outcomes like incarceration, special education, teen pregnancy, and future low earnings. A recent New York Times/Siena poll of New York City residents found that 72% are supportive of the Mayor’s plan.
Also a poll conducted by Quinnipiac University found that a significant majority of New Yorkers support the Mayor’s plan.
