Expanding early education through public-private partnership

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Story By Marc Steinorth and Karen Scott | The San Bernardino Sun

The scramble is on to find alternative revenue sources to better fund early education and preschool programs throughout the state. Tobacco tax revenues provide a significant source of funding for early education services; however, these revenues are declining every year as smoking declines. In 1998, Proposition 10 put a 50 cent tax on every pack of cigarettes. These funds are directed by “First 5” commissions throughout the state to fund preschool programs as well as other interventions to promote the health and well-being of young children. However, these diminishing funds are becoming increasingly unsustainable for First 5 to continue funding preschool programs, especially for low-income children who need financial assistance. In fact, First 5 San Bernardino may not be able to continue funding preschool programs beyond this year under current circumstances.

It is estimated that more than 200,000 families statewide are on waitlists for state assistance to enroll their child in a preschool program. We need a way to get more children on the waitlists into quality educational programs — this is the best way to give children the head start they need to meet the demands of California’s job market. The emerging economies in California need more students who are prepared to fill high-demand jobs.

We strongly support an innovative free-market approach that allows more low-income families to enroll their children in a high-quality preschool program without putting massive new funding obligations on the state’s budget year after year. A current proposal, Assembly Bill 1161 (co-authored by Speaker Toni Atkins and Assemblyman Steinorth), provides just that by establishing a comprehensive framework for the state of California to partner with corporate America for early education funding support.

When our children and students get a head start, California businesses are one of the big beneficiaries of smart and talented graduates. By establishing an incentive-based framework, companies can help themselves by investing in the state’s early education system and providing opportunities for more children to start their education during the first most critical years of brain development.

A handful of other states have already started to explore creative ways to expand early education access. Utah is currently pursuing its own innovative preschool funding program, which has received pledges from major financial corporations, such as JP Morgan Chase, and other philanthropists who have dedicated millions of dollars to allow more at-risk children to attend preschool. It is time for California to step up and take advantage of the many industries that can benefit from more investment in early education.

Numerous studies point to the overwhelming benefits of early education, such as reductions in students dropping out of school, entering remedial programs, or committing crimes. Altogether, economists believe that every dollar invested in early education provides up to $16 in benefits overall. We encourage parents, business leaders, and law enforcement to stand united in our efforts to increase early learning access. Wide and strong support is needed to ensure AB 1161 is passed by the state Legislature and implemented as soon as possible. We will continue to strongly advocate for investment in the critical first five years of our children’s lives, which contribute to a lifetime of success.

Read the original post at The San Bernardino Sun

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Story By Marc Steinorth and Karen Scott | The San Bernardino Sun
Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, R-Rancho Cucamonga, represents the 40th Assembly District. Karen Scott is executive director of First 5 San Bernardino.

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