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Pocono News Section
State Money Flowing After Budget Battle
State Money Flowing After Budget Battle - Monday, November 16, 2009 at 1:21PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Nov 16, 2009 @ 01:21pm EST
COOLBAUGH TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Money is finally flowing after the long state budget battle. While lawmakers argued for more than 100 days, vital programs were left in limbo.
Monroe County Head Start was supposed to open a much needed new classroom in the Poconos two months ago, but it just opened Monday morning.
Four year old Gabriel Roman's mother always wanted to send him to preschool but she couldn't afford it. She explained, "Preschool - daycare is really expensive."
Now, her son is getting the opportunity she thought he'd never have. She smiled, "He's really excited about it."
Monroe County has a brand new Head Start classroom in Coolbaugh Township. People there used to drive at least half an hour to reach county services. It was especially difficult for families without cars. Director Tim Lee said, "There was a real lack of services up in this area."
Now those families have a low income preschool classroom near their neighborhood. Teacher Tina Johnson said, "We're really excited about finally getting it up off the ground."
She also said the things the kids learn in this classroom set them up for a brighter future than they might otherwise be able to have. She explained, "It's important that they get a good foundation."
The kids are getting a good foundation thanks in part to a good deal. Coolbaugh Township is giving Head Start the space for just a dollar for the first year. Lee said, "That's pretty hard to pass up."
Coolbaugh Township and Head Start have not yet worked out a rent price for next year.
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