Opinion Pages

Express-Times LTE: PA Should Boost Pre-K Program Funding

by Kristianna Del Grande | Nov 4, 2015 | Front Page, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As an educator of young children in a Pre-K Counts Program, I have seen firsthand how it can help young learners from the start. The programs and opportunities provided to these children have broadened their horizons and have encouraged their learning in many ways.

York Daily Record: Op-ed: On Budget Impasse, Your Voice Matters

by Kristianna Del Grande | Nov 2, 2015 | EDITORIALS, Front Page

As an advocate for early childhood education, I am traveling the state hearing stories about how the state budget impasse is affecting children and families. Recently, I was in Huntingdon County at a Head Start classroom. The center was forced to secure two bridge loans to keep these state-funded classrooms open. This funding will last through Thanksgiving, then their doors will close to the 120 children and families they serve, and people will be laid off.

Lancaster Online: Letter to the Editor: Wolf pre-K funding would serve Pa. well

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 30, 2015 | Front Page, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reducing crime and limiting its future costs are some of the key reasons Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican lawmakers included increased funding for high-quality pre-K in their respective budget plans.

Main Line Times: As I See it: Pre-K Counts program needs a no-nonsense budget now!

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 16, 2015 | EDITORIALS, Front Page, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Summer is over and our children are back to school. The pictures in our social media feeds are all smiles. But this back-to-school season unfortunately is being affected by the peripheral impact of partisan politics in Harrisburg, which is now sending waves of uncertainty through state-funded pre-K classrooms across the state.

Erie Times: Op-Ed: Early learning aids economy: Betsy Bort, Mike Plazony, Nick Scott Jr.

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 13, 2015 | EDITORIALS, Front Page

The three of us, all members of Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Investment Commission, operate in very different industries. However, we all share a vested interest in making Erie County a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Sunbury Daily Item: LTE: Push for Pre-K Funding

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 7, 2015 | Front Page, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

District attorneys across Pennsylvania have long supported increasing access to high-quality pre-kindergarten programs as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing future crime.

Patriot News: As We See it: When They Talk Budget, Wolf and Lawmakers Can’t Forget Early Childhood Education

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 5, 2015 | EDITORIALS, Front Page

The sharp elbows of politics can sometimes be bruising, however unintentional the bump. As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse stretches into its third month, across the commonwealth the impact of political gridlock is beginning to be felt.

Centre Daily Times: LTE: Pre-K Funding Essential

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 5, 2015 | Front Page, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders across Pennsylvania have long-provided good reason for increasing access to high-quality, publicly funded pre-kindergarten.

Patriot News: As We See It – When They Talk Budget, Wolf and Lawmakers Can’t Forget Early Childhood Education

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 4, 2015 | EDITORIALS, MEDIA REPORTS

The sharp elbows of politics can sometimes be bruising, however unintentional the bump. As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse stretches into its third month, across the commonwealth the impact of political gridlock is beginning to be felt.

LancasterOnline: Editorial: No Budget Should Mean No Labor Day Holiday for Top Pennsylvania Leaders

by Kristianna Del Grande | Sep 3, 2015 | EDITORIALS, Front Page

The state budget is now 65 days late. Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale says he will keep track of the effects of Harrisburg’s tardiness in upcoming audits — costs such as interest expenses and penalties for late payments to a school district’s vendors. DePasquale says he plans to release the numbers on those costs as he completes 50 audits this fall and eventually expects to compile a total from all districts.