For Immediate Release                                                 For More Information:

Rep Nathan Reichert

515-281-3221

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For Immediate Release

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REICHERT: MAKE 2006 ‘YEAR OF THE CHILD’

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Nathan Reichert today called for making 2006 the ‘Year of the Child.’  This initiative, unveiled today by House Democrats, is aimed at improving the healthcare, welfare and education of children in Iowa.

“Every child in Iowa should have the opportunity for a healthy and happy childhood and a successful future,” said Reichert.  “Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, you know that affordable healthcare and a quality education is essential to ensuring the every child gets the right start in life.”

The Year of the Child package includes initiatives to improve the health and welfare of children by protecting them from abuse, making sure children have health insurance, providing assistance for infant care and additional help for at-risk kids.

“Thousands of children in Iowa can use a little help to make sure they do not fall through the cracks,” Reichert noted.  “They may be the victims of abuse or the children of meth addicts.  They may live in poverty or come from divided homes.  They are all at-risk.  We must help them get back on track so they will have a brighter future.” 

Education components of the Year of the Child package include establishing higher standards for schools so students are ready for higher education or the workforce after graduation, giving teachers more authority to enforce discipline, making sure teachers are certified in the subjects they teach, expanding instruction time and keeping quality teachers in the classroom.

“Improvements in our education system are a key component of the initiative.  Our children will not be successful in the global economy without a world class education,” Reichert said.  “We need to improve student achievement.  This means higher standards, quality teachers and more time in the classroom.  We also need to give teachers the tools to enforce discipline in their classroom so children who work hard and take responsibility for their education get the attention they deserve.”

“For our men and women serving in the military, we will provide assistance for preschool and before or after school care for their children in Iowa,” Reichert added.