ILLINOIS MEDIA ADVISORY: Metro East Area Law Enforcement Push for Restoring Funding to Preschool to Cut Crime

Apr 23rd 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2010

CONTACT: Alena Chaps 415-812-2910

Granite City, IL -- On Monday, April 26, Representative Thomas Holbrook, Granite City Police Chief Richard Miller, Alton Police Chief David Hayes, Madison County Sheriff Robert Hertz, Madison County State’s Attorney William Mudge, and Collinsville Chief Scott Williams will visit a preschool class in Granite City. The law enforcement leaders will call on the General Assembly and Governor Quinn not to cut funding to preschool programs in the state budget.  

The law enforcement leaders will discuss their support for early childhood education and its proven ability to affect criminality in the future. The group will then read to the children.

Research shows that one of the many benefits of quality preschool is that it cuts future violent crime. Illinois has made great strides in expanding the availability of quality preschool for at-risk children, but far too many families are unable to access these programs for their children.  Specific numbers on Metro East children served and underserved by quality preschool programs will be available at the event

WHAT:
News conference and photo opportunity with children

WHO:
Representative Thomas Holbrook
Granite City Police Chief Richard Miller
Alton Police Chief David Hayes
Sheriff Robert Hertz
Madison County State's Attorney William Mudge
Collinsville Chief Scott Williams

WHEN:
Monday, April 26 at 10:15 A.M.

WHERE:
Granite City Early Childhood Center
3201 East 23rd Street
Granite City, IL

VISUALS:
-Law enforcement reading to children
-Chart of preschool availability in Metro East
-Children engaged in preschool activities
Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois is a bipartisan, nonprofit anti-crime organization of over 300 police chiefs, sheriffs, state's attorneys, leaders of police officer organizations and victims of violence.