Bolinsky Backs ‘After School’ Programs

State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky with Tracey Lay; Director of School Age Programs for Education Connection. They do in-school before and after-school enrichment programs in North-West CT, including in Newtown schools.

HARTFORD- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) attended the Connecticut After School Network’s tenth annual ‘After School Day’ at the State Capitol February 26th.

The After School Day provided advocates a platform to hear from key policymakers and learn about issues and advocacy efforts to expand state funding for after school grants and summer learning grants.

Rep. Bolinsky told advocates the after school programs keep children safe while teaching the skills and core values they need to succeed both academically and socially.

“I was privileged to speak before this group and let them know that I will fight for their programs because there are noticeable, positive outcomes when young children of working parents have the opportunity to participate in programs like these with other kids their own age in a structured, safe environment that offers enrichment and a supportive place play, do homework or just be kids. When Luisa and my children were growing up, we depended on after-school programs because we were a working family, like many others.” said Rep. Bolinsky.

The Connecticut After School Network is a state-wide professional member organization he Network would also provide a means to encourage local and state policymakers to invest additional resources wisely, expand quality after school opportunities and address particular needs to improve quality and sustainability.

Attendees are encouraged to meet with their local legislators and talk to them about the benefits of after school programs.

According to the Connecticut After School Network, 3 to 6 pm are the peak hours of violent crime. Communities with a good after school programs can cut — by as much as 75% — the risk of youth becoming involved in crime.