Date Published: 8/15/2007
With state and city budget cuts looming, our elected officials should consider the long-term effects of under-funding early education and health.
In May, the Economic Policy Institute published the book, Enriching Children, Enriching the Nation: Public Investment in High-Quality Pre-kindergarten by Robert G. Lynch, professor and chairman of the Economics Department at Washington College.
Lynch is not the first economist to emphasize the value of investing in early childhood. However, the data he presents confirms the remarkable lack of understanding of far too many of Florida's legislators on the true meaning of "saving," "tax-relief" or "investment."
Look at the numbers from Lynch's projections regarding a universal, voluntary, high-quality pre-K program serving all 4-year-olds in Florida (currently funded below the acceptable rate to ensure a quality program). The program would start paying for itself in eight years. By 2050, the ratio of total benefits to costs would be 7-to-1.
This is truly a meaningful return on investment. A significant part of that total benefit would come from total increased compensation (wages and benefits, estimated at $24.2 billion) by adults now able to function at higher levels within society and savings, estimated to be $10.5 billion, to individuals from crime reduction.
Investments in pre-K have proved to reduce crime rates. Who hasn't heard of Blueprint for Prosperity, a strategic plan to raise the per capita income in Jacksonville? Investments in pre-K lead to better graduation rates, workforce readiness and better jobs.
Perhaps it is simply a lack of knowledge that leads those we entrust to spend our tax money without prioritizing the children's programs that work in the long term. In light of pending state and city budget cuts, attention should be given to the return on investment when determining funding for early education and children's health.
Legislators should look beyond their term in office to develop rational policy related to the long-term development of Florida's children.
The newly created Florida Children's Cabinet is a start. However, the Legislature will now consider cutting the budget for pre-K and child care support to income-eligible working families in Florida.
There must be an adjustment of priorities within this state with greater support aimed at our youngest citizens, if they are to thrive and not just grow.
Those elected to public office have a responsibility to the well-being of this state and its citizens that goes beyond those old enough to vote.
Indeed, the obligation to provide appropriately for those without a voice is perhaps the greatest responsibility of all.
SUSAN MAIN,
Executive Director
Early Learning Coalition of Duval, Jacksonville