FEDERAL
Urgent Action Needed to Save 21st CCLC Funding
The President's proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget effectively cuts funding for 21st CCLC by $13 million by combining it with other programs. Congress is currently reviewing the Administration's proposal, so it is critical to call your Representative today to register your concern. Click here to find the phone number for your Member of Congress. Let the office know that you are a constituent calling to register your concern about the President's budget proposal for 21st CCLC after-school programs. Include stories about the impact of 21st CCLC on your community. Explain that:
- We need more support for after-school programs, not the diversion of existing after-school funding to other programs and purposes.
- 21st CCLCs are valuable, effective after-school programs that are improving student outcomes, keeping kids safe and helping working families.
- Every state needs after-school programs. Creating a national competition for 21st CCLC funds will create winners and losers, and leave at-risk students in many states behind.
- Please support and grow this program by increasing funding for it. We can support innovation and still maintain the formula funding, which guarantees that every state receives a portion of funding.
Download an informational sheet on the budget concerns and a talking points sheet to provide you with more information.
Improving the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act of 2010
Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and John Ensign (R-NV) introduced legislation to provide more children with safe, healthy, and academically-focused after-school programs. The Improving 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act of 2010 will improve and expand access to after-school programs for children across the country.
Summary of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act of 2010:
- Reauthorize this important program and renew our commitment to high-quality after-school programs.
- Provide states with tools designed to sustain high-quality after-school programs by allowing programs to continue to receive federal funding based on their performance. The legislation also gives states the ability to work with programs across the state to further improve the quality of these after-school programs.
- Increase opportunities for children and young people to be more physically active. As childhood-obesity reaches epidemic proportions in our society, allowing for such opportunities is critical to ensuring our children's overall health.
- Encourage children to be involved in community service and youth development activities.
Contact your Members of Congress and encourage them to co-sponsor this important legislation.