Editor’s Note: The following is a resolution approved by the Orange County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.
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 More at Four help create a beneficial workforce, productivity and quality of life conditions in our state, by preventing 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 More at Four 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 the current levels of funding for Smart Start and More at Four in the FY 2011-2012 budget and future budget years.
This the 7th day of June, 2011.