February 19, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to hit Rhode Island hard. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in programs and policies that will help our state’s young children and families weather the crisis and emerge stronger on the other side.
Child & Family supports Voting YES to Question 3 (expand affordable housing) and YES on Question 5 (help early childhood programs improve their facilities) on Rhode Island’s March 2nd special election ballot.
Voting YES on Question 3 will approve the $65 million Housing and Community Opportunity bond, supporting the construction and rehabilitation of affordable homes and apartments across Rhode Island. And voting YES on Question 5 will approve the $15 million Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund to invest in our state’s child care and early learning facilities so they can serve more working families and provide our kids with the high-quality learning experiences they deserve.
A safe, affordable place to call home is the American dream, but one that’s out of reach for too many Rhode Islanders. Across our state, the cost of housing is rising faster than incomes leaving our workers, families, seniors, and veterans struggling to find a home or apartment they can afford, while also making ends meet.
Now, with so many Rhode Islanders struggling with the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding safe, affordable housing is more important than ever.
By investing in housing opportunities for all Rhode Islanders we can address a housing shortage that is holding our economy back. In Rhode Island’s March 2, 2021, special election, vote YES on Question 3 to approve the $65 million Housing and Community Opportunity bond. Question 3 supports the construction and rehabilitation of affordable homes and apartments across Rhode Island and will help communities revitalize neighborhoods through redevelopment, new construction, and property acquisition, and stronger communities.
Vote YES to Question 5 for access to high-quality, affordable child care for Rhode Island families. Child care is essential for Rhode Island’s young children and working families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the high demand for child care and a limited supply of available seats, Rhode Island parents are paying on average $11,000 per year for a quality child care placement.
We need to increase the number of child care seats available, lower costs for working families, and ensure that our child care programs have great facilities that encourage learning and exploration. Voting YES on the Question 5 Early Childhood Care and Education Capital Fund will invest $15 million in Rhode Island’s child care and early learning facilities so they can serve more working families and return your mail ballot now or vote early in person at your local city or town hall during regular business hours through March 1, 2021, or vote in person on March 2. Visit vote.ri.gov for more information.
Gratefully,
Marty Sinnott
President & CEO
msinnott@childandfamilyri.org
(401) 848-4122
