Washington D.C. (July 21, 2009) – Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today won adoption of an amendment that would help expand access to early learning programs for disadvantaged children during committee action on H.R. 3221, The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009.

“As a strong advocate for early childhood education, I am glad to see Congress investing in early learning programs.  But we need to do everything we can to make sure low-income children of are not falling through the cracks.  ” said Kucinich.

The bill considered today takes steps toward increasing access to high-quality early learning programs for all children.  The Kucinich amendment would require the states that get the grants provided by this bill to identify the barriers to expanding access to disadvantaged children.

“Children from low-income families and communities are more likely to incur educational disadvantages early in life that will affect them the rest of their lives.  Early education will be essential to addressing these disparities.  But if we don’t know why kids can’t get access to early childhood education, we can’t address it,” added Kucinich.

Congressman Kucinich has long been a supporter of early education, introducing legislation to create a Universal Prekindergarten program in every Congress since 2002. Kucinich’s amendment was adopted by voice vote during consideration by the Education and Labor Committee.

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