Columbus, Ohio (March 14, 2007) - groundWork™ applauds Governor Ted Strickland's support of early care and education in his State of the State speech today.

"When children start with a fair chance to learn, they have a fair chance to succeed," said Lori McClung, groundWork™ campaign director. "Governor Strickland understands that. Many members of the legislature understand that. Now it's time for our elected officials to demonstrate that support by investing in our state's youngest children during the budget process."

The Governor's comprehensive focus on all children birth through age six, addressing both their educational and health needs is a hallmark of the groundWork™ effort.  There is always more that can be done to support our future workforce. Thousands of groundWork™ supporters will work with both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly to turn these important goals into reality for Ohio's children.

The groundWork™ platform is supported by a statewide association of parents, business leaders, pediatricians, behavioral health care professionals, educators, and child care providers advocating improved education and wellness for children from birth through age six.

The groundWork™ platform encourages increased access to behavioral health services and primary health care for young children; expansion of full-day kindergarten as an option for all of Ohio's children; and increasing the quality of the existing early care and education system for all children birth through age six.

You can also click here to download this press release in .pdf format.