"It is important to provide children with an after school program that offers parents an option in providing a safe and enriching environment for their children after the school bell rings," said Senator Collins. "Maine has received $7.7 million in 21st CCLC funding over the past two years and is expected to receive an additional $4.9 million in 2005. Additional federal funding would truly benefit families across America."
The letter notes the importance of afterschool programs for keeping children safe, reducing crime and drug use, and improving academic performance. The 21st CCLC program provides important support for quality afterschool programs and currently serves more than $1.3 children nationwide. Funding for the 21st CCLC program has been strongly supported by the Afterschool Alliance, and Maine''s Fight Crime Invest in Kids chapter.
The text of the letter is as follows:
December 17, 2004
Dear President Bush:
We are writing to urge you to support increased funding in your 2006 fiscal year budget for the 21st Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) so the program can grow to help meet the needs of the 15 million children who come home after school to an empty house.
The federal afterschool program, which currently serves 1.3 million children, is vital to children and families across America. Afterschool programs offer parents an option in providing a safe and enriching environment for their children after the school bell rings. Numerous studies confirm what parents and community leaders already know—that afterschool programs keep children safe, reduce crime and drug use, and improve academic performance.
But the demand for affordable, quality afterschool programs far exceeds the availability of these programs. Mayors surveyed in 86 cities reported that only one-third of the children needing afterschool care were receiving it. Many rural areas face similar difficulties providing afterschool care due to a lack of community resources.
Federal funding for afterschool programs has been level funded for the past four years and increased funding would have a huge impact on the well-being of American children. We ask you to join us in this bi-partisan effort.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
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