Statement Regarding Proposed Illinois Cuts to Early Childhood Education

From Diana Rauner, president, Ounce of Prevention Fund

May 11, 2011

"The Ounce of Prevention Fund strongly opposes any cut to early learning programs in the state budget. Reducing funds for education programs, especially those that put our youngest citizens on a path toward better education outcomes, will further hamstring our state's long-term economic recovery. The 5% cut proposed Tuesday by the Illinois House of Representatives' Elementary and Secondary Education Committee is fiscally irresponsible.

"In difficult economic times, we need our lawmakers to act wisely and prioritize investment in programs like education that are proven to bring the greatest return to the state.

"For the third year in a row, elected officials have proposed balancing the budget by cutting education and human service programs serving the state's most vulnerable citizens. Cutting Early Childhood Block Grant funding by the proposed $17 million will make it that much more difficult for Preschool for All programs to get back on track after enduring a 10% cut in FY 2010 and payment delays for the last few years. Already, 8,000 fewer children at risk of school failure are attending preschool this school year compared to two years ago.

"Economists, including Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, universally say that now, when the budget is tightest, is when states should be investing public dollars in programs such as early childhood education that have the best long-term return on investment. Early learning programs bolster Illinois's economy by ensuring that we'll have a better-educated workforce in the future—one that has a higher earning potential and contributes significantly more tax dollars to the state's economy. Economists note that every dollar spent on high-quality early childhood programs for disadvantaged children creates $7 to $9 in future savings. Effective early childhood programs help reduce teenage pregnancy, crime, and other social burdens.

"We are calling on Gov. Quinn and the General Assembly to protect funding for early childhood education. High-quality, birth-to-five education programs provide valuable learning opportunities that far too many low-income children don't otherwise get. They help build both the academic and character skills that research says are essential for later success in school."



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