Barbara Boxer: “there have been many positive steps taken to support quality early education and afterschool programs, yet they still…”

“there have been many positive steps taken to support quality early education and afterschool programs, yet they still represent token steps when giant leaps are needed. America must commit to ensuring a comprehensive education system beginning with early education programs and continuing with afterschool programs. This is why I am re- introducing my two bills, the ``Early Education Act of 2001,'' and the ``After School Education and Anti-Crime Act of 2001.'' Every day, millions of working parents are forced with the prospect of leaving their children unsupervised after school because they either cannot afford quality afterschool programs or the programs simply are unavailable in their surrounding area. Children need a place to go after school. An empty house should not be an option. It can be especially frightening for many students today because of the increase in crime and drug related incidents in their neighborhoods. There are anywhere from 8 to 15 million children without accessible afterschool opportunities. Only 33 percent of schools in low-income neighborhoods offer before and afterschool programs compared to over 50 percent of schools in affluent neighborhoods. Yet, unlike what most may believe, this tragic situation cuts across both racial and economic lines. Affluent, non-minority workers also leave their children home alone.”