The following letter was sent to Gov. Hutchinson by evangelical leaders here in Arkansas.

Dear Governor Hutchinson,

We trust this letter finds you and your family well.

Shepherding the Next Generation is a national organization of evangelical pastors and ministry leaders who are committed to caring for and speaking out on behalf of children in need. Currently our membership includes over 25 individuals serving the faith community in Arkansas. Our purpose for writing today is to urge the legislature to increase funding for Arkansas Better Chance Pre-K Program by $15 million or more. The Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Program is committed to giving children a strong start through evidence-based solutions as they begin kindergarten.

The Arkansas Better Chance Program has completed two longitudinal studies. For children with no known pre-k experience, 70% from higher-income families entered kindergarten with a  rating of “developed” (the highest level in Arkansas), while only 41% of low-income children were at the “developed” level. The implementation of the ABC program increased the level of low-income students who were rated “developed” by nearly ten percent, so that half of economically disadvantaged children being rated as developed. They also found that children who attended ABC pre-k were less likely to be retained a grade by the end of the third grade. An in-depth analysis of different studies in multiple states over the last four decades of early education research found that by third grade, about one-third of the achievement gap, including reading and other skills, can be closed by high-quality early education.

These results show there is a clear need to improve school readiness in our state. It is our understanding that there has not been an increase in program funding, even for cost-of-living, since 2008. Additional funding is necessary to sustain the Arkansas Better Chance Program at its current level of operation. An increase in funding in this year’s budget will ensure that the children of Arkansas have a greater chance of success in education, and we encourage you to lend your support to this effort.

The Bible teaches us that God created the family to be the primary place for educating a child. (Dt. 6:4-9; Ps. 78:5-8; Eph. 6:4) However, some parents have a more difficult experience in child rearing, often lacking the knowledge, resources, or the support of a spouse to raise their children. An increase in early learning will give them the assistance they need to break the cycle of generational poverty and challenges.

May God continue to bless you and use you mightily for His kingdom! Thank you for taking the time to consider our request.

“…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15)