BY

Advocates for Michigan’s young children launch Sandbox Party

WHO:
Judy Samelson, CEO, Early Childhood Investment Corp.
Evelyn Nixon, executive director, Educational Child Care Center (EC3)
Rep. Kathy Angerer, D-Dundee
Rep. Richard Ball, R-Laingsburg
Supporters including Jack Kresnak, Michigan’s Children; K.P. Pelleran, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Michigan; Jane Zehnder-Merrell, Michigan League for Human Services; Mike Foley, Children’s Trust Fund; and Keith Myers, Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children.
Children enrolled at EC3

WHAT: News conference launching Michigan’s Sandbox Party, the first in the nation to specifically target the interests of young children 0-5 years. Organizers of the nonpartisan, nonpolitical party recognize young children’s crucial role in Michigan’s economic turnaround and support continued state investment to make sure they grow up healthy and capable.

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July, 1, 2010

WHERE: In the sandbox (with the kids!) at EC3, 1715 W. Main St. (south service drive of I-496, four blocks west of MLK Boulevard), Lansing 48915

WHY: As the state struggles to balance its budget, someone needs to stand up for Michigan’s youngest children. That “someone” is the Sandbox Party. Public opinion polls show 83 percent of Michigan voters think early childhood development and education is an “absolute necessity” for their community; 75 percent want those programs spared from cuts. The Sandbox Party is their voice.

CONTACT:
Sharon Emery, The Rossman Group, o: 517.487.9320,
c: 517.896.7075 semery@rossmangroup.com

Contact: Sharon Emery, The Rossman Group, o: 517.487.9320, c: 517.896.7075 semery@rossmangroup.com