Jennifer Garner Urges Lawmakers To Fund Education Programs, Reunites With Ben
In Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 9, Jennifer Garner was her cheerful self, and she sat down to testify on a serious matter that she is a strong advocate for. The mother of three was present at the House budget committee in the state of Kentucky to encourage lawmakers to support education more actively.
Just Jared relays Garner’s role in regards to Save the Children, which hopes to enlist the support of lawmakers to fund more educational initiatives.
“The 43-year-old actress, who serves as a Save the Children trustee and artist ambassador, was joined by Mark Shriver, president of the Save the Children Action Network, to ask Kentucky lawmakers to spend $1 million on an early-childhood education program.”
Garner spoke about her own connection to the organization and indicated what it is that she hopes to see come of her testimony and the urging of Save the Children.
“I’m here because I believe so much in Save the Children’s early childhood programs, and I am hoping that you will continue to support them.”
Mark Shriver followed Garner’s testimony with his own words of urgency for those present to inspire lawmakers to continue funding the beneficial cause.
“Our kids entering kindergarten are scoring at the 90th percentile… And these are kids that are struggling, that are very much at risk.”
Garner and Shriver were also invited to join new Republican governor Matt Bevin for breakfast the sam morning. Jessica Ditto, Bevin’s spokeswoman, relayed details about the conversation they had during the meeting.
“The governor and staff had an engaging conversation with Ms. Garner and Mr. Shriver about the Save the Children programs in Kentucky. Save the Children has a long history of success helping children in poverty in Kentucky and we feel confident that the funding will be preserved in the budget.”
Lawmakers told Garner and Shriver that the state has a tight budget, and although the cause is one they wish to continue to support, it may be difficult to manage. However, the Herald-Leader relays that a spokesperson indicated that there is a slight possibility that funds may be “preserved” for the cause.
Garner went on to share a story of success thanks to the extra funding offered by the government previously for educational programs.
“Tomorrow I’m excited to visit Manchester Elementary School in Clay County where KPREP state assessment scores have gone up in every subject.”
Students in the Save the Children preschool programs have entered elementary school “on much stronger footing than they would have,” said Garner.
The actress connects the success with the benefits of a fully funded after-school reading program. Clearly an advocate of education and causes that benefit children, Garner has taken great efforts to do her part. Even in the media firestorm regarding her pending divorce from actor Ben Affleck, the actress has stayed focused on giving back and being an advocate.
Although Ben and Jen have faced their fair share of drama over the past eight months since the couple announced their split in June of last year, the pair are ensuring to keep on amicable terms for the sake of their three children. There have even been rumors that Garner and Affleck may be working on a full reconciliation, yet this news has yet to be verified by either of the stars’ reps.
As it appears at this point, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are set on the divorce yet are being cordial and spending the odd bit of family time together while navigating the waters of their new situation as a split couple. Just this week, Jen and Ben were spotted out to dinner with their kids and appeared quite content in one another’s company, as the Daily Mail reported.
[Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Marie Claire]
