WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, announced that he introduced new legislation that aims to enhance the educational and developmental outcomes of children and families in America’s low-income communities. Murphy’s Promise Neighborhoods Authorization Act of 2015 would reauthorize the Promise Neighborhoods program administered by the Department of Education, and provide children and families in distressed neighborhoods with access to strong school systems and community support. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are original cosponsors of the bill.  


Building on the success of programs such as the Harlem Children’s Zone, the Promise Neighborhoods Act will create five-year grants to support the planning and implementation of evidence-based programs that surround children in education, health, and social support activities from the cradle, to college, and to their career. To date, more than 60 communities across the country – including Meriden in Connecticut - have used the grants provided by this program to systemically challenge the detrimental effects of poverty.


“High-quality education and strong networks of support are instrumental to a child’s developmental and long-term success,” said Murphy. “But too often, kids in distressed communities lack access to these vital resources. All children - no matter their zip code - deserve the support they need to reach their full potential, and the Promise Neighborhoods Act will make it possible for millions of other low-income families to benefit from the remarkable opportunity that communities like Meriden have already gained so much from.”


“This legislation will ensure that the children, families and communities of Connecticut and America are provided with the resources and support needed to excel,” said Blumenthal. “Every child, no matter where they live, deserves support to ensure they succeed academically and developmentally. We’ve seen the positive effects Promise Neighborhoods have had on children and communities and it is imperative that we continue to provide the necessary resources to the program.”


“Every child deserves the opportunity to get an excellent education,” said Franken. “Unfortunately, young people in at-risk situations often face barriers that can derail their futures. By investing in programs that bring together parents and children with local schools and community organizations, this legislation will take a hands-on approach to giving all children the best chance to succeed.”


The Promise Neighborhoods Act would fund grants for partnerships between schools and community-based organizations to provide programs such as high-quality early care and education opportunities, pre-natal education and support for expecting parents, college and career readiness activities, including college counseling, subsidized employment opportunities, and early college programs, and meaningful family engagement activities.


The following national organizations have announced their support for this bill: PolicyLink, The Promise Neighborhoods Institute at PolicyLink, the Center for the Study of Social Policy, Campaign for Youth, Child Welfare League of America, the Coalition for Community Schools, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Save the Children, School-Based Health Alliance, StriveTogether, The Forum for Youth Investment, The National Child Abuse Coalition, the Autism National Committee, and Urban Strategies, Inc.