“Eight for 2008”: Policy Recommendations from the Education Sector

Released by the Education Sector, “Eight for 2008: Education Ideas for the Next President” details policies to improve children’s education. Their first proposal is to increase access to pre-kindergarten programs for children in low-income families. Although pre-kindergarten has been shown to benefit students and communities, “fewer than half of the nation’s poor 3- and 4-year-olds attend preschool.” The Education Sector argues that a $18.4 billion program, funded primarily by the federal government, is needed to provide pre-kindergarten to those children who are currently left out.

Support Tennessee RE Program Recovering from Fire

Holston Valley UU Church in Tennessee is struggling to recover after a fire on Friday devastated the Religious Education Center.

Miss Kitty reports in more detail. She includes a letter from Rev. Christine Riley, Interim Minister at the Holston Valley UU Church. The damage is extensive, and Rev. Riley anticipates insurance will not fully cover it. She writes:

“The fire here on Friday totally-totally destroyed our Religious Education Center.
All three classrooms and their contents ... the structure itself...the kitchenette…
all are a total loss…
...
We are already aware that ...EVEN THOUGH...we have “replacement coverage” for both the building itself and the contents that any settlement will take time...and will
fall FAR short of what is going to be needed for replacement.”

The church is accepting donations through a special “Fire Fund.”

Donations may be sent to:
Holston Valley UU Church
PO BOX 8383
Gray, TN 37615

Please keep this congregation in your thoughts and prayers.

Revised Minimum Wage Bill Passes U.S. House

The House voted on Friday in favor of a revised minimum wage bill with a moderate tax package for businesses attached. The next step is a showdown between the House and the Senate. The Senate bill includes a gigantic load of business tax breaks.