September 19, 2016 Press Releases

U.S. Senate Candidate Eldridge Highlights Support of Pre-K With Visit to Helen R. Walton Children’s Enrichment Center


by Conner for Arkansas

BENTONVILLE - Former U.S. Attorney and candidate for the U.S. Senate, Conner Eldridge today will visit the Helen R. Walton Children's Enrichment Center, a community center located in Bentonville devoted to ensuring the well-being of children six weeks through pre-kindergarten. Eldridge has emphasized the importance of early education in the past, calling on Sen. Boozman to give his stance on the State Republican Party's recent decision to strike Pre-K from its party platform. Eldridge said he agrees with the Children's Enrichment Center's understanding that "an investment in young children is the best investment for the future of our community."*

"I think the decision to strike any mention of pre-K from the Republican party platform was an irresponsible one," said Eldridge. "And I ask my opponent to make clear his stance on the issue of pre-K. Sen. Boozman's silence leaves us to conclude he agrees with his party that pre-K should be cut. As Arkansas's next U.S. Senator, I will fight for funding for pre-K and programs benefitting kids. That's why I'm excited to visit the Helen R. Walton Children's Enrichment Center, which gives kids, many of whom would not have the opportunity otherwise, the gift of a quality pre-K education. As the son of a public school educator and as the father of three young boys, I will prioritize helping kids and strengthening education in my work as U.S. Senator."

At the Republican Party of Arkansas convention last month the decision was made to eliminate any mention of pre-kindergarten from the state party's platform. Data consistently shows that children enrolled in quality pre-kindergarten are more likely to graduate high school and less likely to depend on welfare as adults. Children are also less likely to be incarcerated and more likely to attend college if enrolled in quality pre-K. Eldridge called on Sen. Boozman to explain his position on the matter.

"I cannot emphasize enough how important the work that community centers like the Helen R. Walton Children's Enrichment Center here in Bentonville is in the development of our children," said Eldridge. "It's well-known at this point that an investment in children's education from an early age leads to better outcomes down the road. Kids' test scores improve, their graduation rates increase, and the chances of going to college are much greater. It's a wonder why we're even still talking about if it's worth supporting pre-K programs as a state and as a country."

*http://hwcec.org/about/