The preschool cause in California received a boost recently in the state Legislature, when the Senate unanimously voted in support of an LAUP-sponsored resolution that encourages Senators to promote early education programs in their communities.

With the leadership of Sen. Curren Price, D-Los Angeles, who introduced Senate Resolution 32, and Sen. Carol Liu, D-La Cañada Flintridge, who co-authored it, the importance of preschool was in the limelight on June 21. That was the day the resolution was passed by a 36-0 vote.

The resolution requests members of the State Senate to promote early childhood education programs in their communities. It also encourages their constituents to enroll in early education programs because of the proven benefits on children's lives.

LAUP can't thank Sen. Price and Sen. Liu enough for standing in support of the preschool cause during this critical budgetary time of funding cuts affecting early childhood programs across the state.

The bi-partisan, unanimous passage of this resolution shows that the preschool cause is an important topic with significant statewide support. Years of work by advocates around the state is paying off as there is new awareness in Sacramento about the subject, and its positive impact on families.

Looking ahead, LAUP will now encourage members of the California Senate to follow this mandate and disseminate information to their constituents about the benefits of early education programs.

LAUP truly appreciates the support shown to our cause by the California Senate.