Dear Groundwork Team, This morning I delivered testimony in the Senate Finance: Health and Medicaid Subcommittee concerning the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services executive and Ohio House budget proposals. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to share Groundwork's vision for the early childhood education system in Ohio as we look forward to our much anticipated Advocacy Day tomorrow. Similar to the testimony I delivered in the Ohio House, we highlighted the need for greater investment in quality early childhood education programs in addition to detailing our specific FY18-FY19 budget request for new dollars. Please review the full testimony here. Additionally, please review the supportive materials provided to the committee including our Ohio early childhood education case for support and a summary of our budget request for a new investment of $22 million in the system over the biennium. We will continue to share these materials, among others, with legislators during our Advocacy Day and beyond.
Groundwork is eager to host you and over 200 early childhood education stakeholders from across the state tomorrow as we hear from respected leaders from both chambers of the legislature and the administration and meet with legislative offices. Please make sure you give yourself enough time to find parking (parking info below). You can be a part of the action whether you are coming or not by following us on Twitter and Facebook at @GroundworkOhio. We can't wait to see you tomorrow at 10:00 AM! Shannon Jones Executive Director
Advocacy Day Parking Whether you live in Columbus or are making a journey across the state to join us for Advocacy Day tomorrow, please plan on allowing an extra 15 minutes to your morning to find accommodating parking for the day. There is a small parking lot at our venue, The Athletic Club of Columbus, however, you will find ample parking in and around our venue and the Ohio Statehouse. Given the activity at the Statehouse, the Statehouse parking garage will fill up quickly, but there are many lots and garages on Cap Square to accommodate you. You should plan on paying a minimum of $5.00 parking for the day. Most lots accept credit cards. Thank you and if you have any particular concerns for your group, please feel free to reach out to Lynanne at lwolf@GroundworkOhio.org directly.