Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Classroom Teachers to Be Featured in First Television Advertisements for Yes on Prop. 82

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Classroom Teachers to Be Featured in First Television Advertisements for Yes on Prop. 82

English and Spanish Language Spots Highlight Villaraigosa's Support for Preschool

LOS ANGELES, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- With three weeks until Election Day, Yes on 82 announced the start of its television advertising campaign with the release of two commercials featuring Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a third with teachers. The ads, which highlight key supporters of the Preschool for All initiative, begin airing today in major markets statewide.

This is the first time since Mayor Villaraigosa's historic victory a year ago that he has appeared in political advertising. Villaraigosa, a co-chair of Yes on 82, filmed one ad in English ("Reach Higher") and one in Spanish ("Calidad"). In both, he speaks about the opportunities Prop 82 will provide for all children.

"There is no better representative in California than Mayor Villaraigosa for the idea that education can change a child's life," said Nathan James, spokesperson for Yes on 82. "These advertisements explain the central message of our campaign -- that Prop 82 will strengthen our schools and give all kids the opportunity to succeed."

"Always Tell" features two teachers, Shelbi Wilson, the 2006 California Teacher of the Year, and Ana Valencia, speaking about how teachers can always tell which students have gone to preschool. Prop 82 is supported by the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, representing more than 435,000 classroom teachers statewide. In addition, groups representing county school superintendents, school employees, and more than 45,000 early childhood educators have endorsed the initiative.

The thirty-second spots, "Reach Higher," "Calidad," and "Always Tell" were produced by Armour Griffin Media Group. The ads will be available online beginning at 9:00 AM on Monday, May 15, 2006 at: http://www.yeson82.com/. Beta SP and DVD copies are available by request from the campaign.

Studies show that children who go to quality preschool read earlier and learn faster. But only 20% of our children actually go to quality preschools. Prop 82 will provide a free, high-quality preschool education for every four-year old in California. It will provide trained, credentialed teachers in every classroom and more parental involvement. According to the Legislative Analyst, all revenues would be used for the new preschool program, and Prop 82 provides audits and criminal penalties, including possible jail time, for misuse of funds.

Backed by a broad coalition that includes business groups like the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, organized labor, and California's leading elected officials, Prop 82 will strengthen out schools and improve education for all our kids. For more information about Proposition 82, visit: http://www.yeson82.com/.

Source: Yes on 82, Preschool for All

CONTACT: Nathan James of Yes on 82, +1-310-786-7441

Web site: http://www.yeson82.com/

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