Lawmakers must make early learning a priority

Now more than ever, it's important for Illinois lawmakers to take steps to expand early learning programs during the new legislation session. Luckily, at the very start of his term, Gov. Pritzker made it clear that early childhood education will be a priority for his administration. Few policy issues enjoy more broad-based support, so the only question now is whether our lawmakers can work together to see this through.

In his inaugural address, Gov. Pritzker called for a comprehensive birth-to-five system that provides opportunities for every child. I'm pleased that the governor is making programs for quality early-childhood education a priority. Programs such as Head Start and Early Head Start have improved children both socially and intellectually, so a governor who supports this has the potential to provide even more youth with learning opportunities.

I urge our state legislators to listen and make an investment in Illinois' children today that will allow them to survive and thrive long into the future - our next generation of children depends upon this.

Nicole Wolff

Aurora