by Cathy Angstman
Wells Fargo Bank
Women’s Leadership Council Vice Chair
I have a 4 year old grandson who is the light of my life. His father and mother, my son and daughter-in-law, are going to school and working several part-time jobs. They live on campus at the University of Utah and have one car. They do not have the money to pay for preschool; they can barely keep food on the table, gas in the car, and try to pay a portion of their rent.
My grandson is a curious, precocious, and energetic child. Because I believe so strongly in the impact of a strong early education, my husband and I have chosen to pay for my grandson to attend the incredible preschool and daycare program at the University of Utah. It is expensive, but well worth it. Every day, my son takes my grandson on the shuttle, with their backpacks in tow, and delivers him to the loving arms of his teachers on the University campus. My grandson loves the shuttle ride with his dad and I love the example that it is setting for him about the importance of education, as he watches his father go to class and study. My grandson loves his school and often has fun stories to tell me about his day. Last night I spoke with him on the phone and he told me with great excitement about how he was learning about predators and animals. I can’t imagine my grandson’s future without the experiences he is having now. My son and daughter-in-law are so grateful that we will pay for their son to go to school and we all know that it will pay great dividends in the future.
The reason I am sharing this story is that while we are fortunate to have the means to pay for my grandson to attend preschool, we know that many children do not have this advantage.
I truly hope that our legislature will recognize the importance of providing early childhood education to our children and pass HB96.
Please encourage YOUR Representative to vote YES on HB96 TODAY!
