Major cut to early education programs could devastate state's economic health for years to come

CHICAGO, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Ounce of Prevention Fund, a statewide early childhood advocacy organization, is expressing deep concern about the governor's plans to slash state spending on education programs by $1.3 billion, including funds that support Illinois' nationally recognized early childhood education system. The group is, however, applauding the governor's call to levy an income tax surcharge to offset the immediate need for devastating cuts to early, primary, and secondary education programs.

"These education cuts would pose a profound threat to the future health of our state's economy," said Diana Mendley Rauner, executive director of the Ounce of Prevention Fund, an early childhood advocacy organization. "Fast forward 20 years, and we're left with a less educated workforce that has a lower earning potential, is making fewer tax contributions, and is creating a greater need for spending on preventable social services. We'll be keeping Illinois at a disadvantage for years to come.

"We strongly encourage state lawmakers to support the proposed tax surcharge and to look at longer-term reform to address the Illinois structural budget deficit and debilitating cuts in human services," Rauner added.

Research shows that funding birth-to-five programs as part of the education system is the best way to maximize taxpayers' investments in education. The state's education budget includes the Early Childhood Block Grant, which funds Preschool for All. The proposed cuts will reduce funding for the grant by $55 million. Additional state funding for early education programs exists in the Illinois Department of Human Services budget, which will also see significant reductions.

"In times like these, lawmakers must act wisely and prioritize investment in programs like education that bring the greatest return to the state," Rauner said. "Cutting education funding by 17% is a plan that cannot be acceptable to lawmakers or the public."

Disadvantaged children who don't participate in quality preschool and other early education programs are 50 percent more likely to be placed in special education and 25 percent more likely to drop out of school. They are 60 percent more likely to never attend college, 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime, and 40 percent more likely to become a teen parent. Economists note that every dollar spent on high-quality early childhood programs for disadvantaged children create $7 to $9 in future savings.

Ounce of Prevention Fund

The Ounce of Prevention Fund works to ensure that all children, particularly those in poverty, have quality early childhood experiences from birth to age five. Learn more at www.ounceofprevention.org.

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Diana Rauner

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SOURCE The Ounce of Prevention Fund

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