Poverty in Escambia County
By David Abrams, State Coordinator (North FL) on 06/28/2011 @ 09:49 AM
Attached is an Escambia County newsletter produced by a couple of our grassroot supporters in Pensacola. The article reviews the outcome of the 2011 legislative session, some of the cuts to child education, and the direct impact it can have on poverty.
The Superintendent of Escambia County Schools, Malcolm Thomas stated: Poverty in Escambia is increasing as measured by children who qualify for free and reduced-cost lunch- the percentage has risen from 57% to 61% over the last 2 years. Diane Hutcherson of the Early Learning Coalition in Escambia County believes: "The place to break the cycle of poverty is with these younger children."
It makes sense- if we invest wisely (and avoid slashing funds) in childhood education, we will in fact see lower percentages of poverty. As Superintendent Thomas says, "These kids need to have a future. Education is a critical piece to that."
Click here to read the Bridges newsletter.
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