Early Saturday morning, the Illinois General Assembly approved the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024) spending plan, which contains historic investments in the early care and education system, reflecting Governor J.B. Pritzker's Smart Start Illinois plan.
"Today is a great day for young Illinoisians and their families. The General Assembly passed a budget that directs significant state funding to a set of bedrock early childhood programs families know and love.” “We thank the General Assembly for approving the first year of Governor Pritzker’s Smart Start Illinois plan, and we stand ready to work with the administration and the legislature to continue building and strengthening the early childhood system Illinois children and families deserve.” - Ireta Gasner, Start Early Vice President of Illinois Policy
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Start Early applauds the General Assembly for approving a final budget that prioritizes our youngest learners, their families the and early childhood workforce.
This suite of policy changes and funding increases was made possible by the commitment and diligent efforts of advocates like you. Throughout the spring legislative session, parents, educators and advocates contacted state legislators thousands of times on behalf of Illinois families and those who serve them.
We encourage you to reach back out to Governor Pritzker and your elected officials to thank them for prioritizing early childhood programs & services that set up our youngest learners for health and success in school and life.
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