RES-2013-034 Resolution in Support of Smart Start and NC Pre K

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RES-2013-034 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Resolution In Support of Smart Start and NC Pre K WHEREAS, Orange County needs the most skilled employees now and in the future; and WHEREAS, communities that develop and retain skilled employees excel and spend less tax money on expensive remedial programs; and WHEREAS, public policies must support the development of the next generation of workers so that they can continue to innovate and lead; and WHEREAS, high quality early care, education and services support the early development and learning of young children, and make possible the development of a strong future workforce for our community and businesses; and WHEREAS, research shows that children who enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed grow to be job-ready workers who help businesses prosper and good residents who help communities thrive; and WHEREAS, Smart Start and NC Pre K help create a beneficial workforce, productivity and quality of life conditions in our state by reducing the achievement gap for at-risk and underprivileged children, producing better outcomes in education, health, personal productivity and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, Smart Start and NC Pre K contribute to the local economy of Orange County by supporting small businesses, creating jobs and allowing parents to work; and WHEREAS, Orange County supports strong education at all levels from preschool through higher education; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, strongly recommend the North Carolina General Assembly support current eligibility criteria and the current levels of funding, and consider increasing funding, for Smart Start and NC Pre K in the FY 2013-2014 budget and future budget years. This the 7th day of May, 2013. arty Jaco Orang ount Bo d of C missioners