Hello, [Representative],

​

Hi, this is [your name] and I’m calling as a concerned resident of Ann Arbor. Specifically, I’m reaching out about the need for the city of Ann Arbor to enact universal preschool for all children who call this city home. In case you didn’t know, preschool attendance has been linked with higher future graduation rates and higher future incomes. At the same time, it’s been linked to lower incidents of criminal behavior — and all of these benefits are even more amplified for children from marginalized or low socioeconomic backgrounds.

​

Although the state of Michigan currently runs the Great Start Program, I believe that Ann Arbor should take action in creating our own preschool program for two reasons. First, the current Great Start Program is not properly funded. As a result, there are thousands of qualifying families who are stuck on waitlists. And second, the Great Start Program is not truly universal. In order to reap the maximum benefits of preschool, our city’s children should be in diverse classrooms with classmates from all walks of life.

 

As a city with a progressive history, I believe Ann Arbor should break away from the ineptitude of the state’s policy and create our own.

​

All told, investing in universal preschool will undoubtedly yield a large returns for our city. As a concerned resident, I hope you will fight for our city’s future.

​

Thank you.