Press Release - Lowey: Support For Afterschool Programs Critical

LOWEY: SUPPORT FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS CRITICAL

CONGRESSWOMAN PARTICIPATES IN EVENTS TO SUPPORT LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL

LOWEY HAS SECURED NEARLY $6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS - HOUSE RECENTLY PASSED LOWEY RESOLUTION TO HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

October 12, 2006

WHITE PLAINS, NY - Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) and afterschool program participants across Westchester and Rockland Counties today celebrated Lights On Afterschool, a national day of celebration to promote the critical importance of Afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities.

"Study after study has confirmed that afterschool programs help students learn while ensuring that children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends," said Congresswoman Lowey. "Lights on Afterschool gives students, educators, and parents the opportunity to show their communities the good work being done in afterschool programs."

A study by the Afterschool Alliance found that more than 14 million American children are alone after the school bell rings at 3:00 pm. This is especially troubling because the hours between 3:00 and 6:00pm can be a dangerous period for children spending time alone. Kids are most likely to experiment with risky behavior when parents or other adults are not able to make sure their children are participating in safe and responsible activities.

Afterschool programs are the solution to this problem for many families. They provide a secure and supervised environment for kids and peace of mind for their parents. In fact, parents of more than 15 million youngsters said their kids would participate in an afterschool program if one was available in their community.

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution Congresswoman Lowey introduced in support of the goals and ideals of Lights On Afterschool.

"I'm proud to take part in events celebrating afterschool programs today, but we need to support afterschool programs every day," said Lowey. "I support increasing federal funding for these programs and working with local officials and educators in Westchester and Rockland Counties to expand the reach of our afterschool initiatives. We cannot let afterschool programs become an afterthought in our children's education."

Congresswoman Lowey has long promoted legislation and funding to advance afterschool programs. In 1996, from her seat on the Appropriations Committee, Lowey created the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the first ever federal afterschool initiative. And, in 2005 she formed the Congressional Afterschool Caucus to build support for these programs in Congress and provide sufficient funding to meet the growing demand for afterschool initiatives. She has secured nearly $6 million in federal funds for afterschool programs for various schools including New Rochelle, Ossining, Port Chester, and Yonkers.

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ny18_lowey/afterschool101206.html