Cutting effective early childhood programs hurts states now. When public resources are stretched thin, essential programs for young children often lose out in the budget process. Budget cuts that deprive children of a strong developmental start mean society and taxpayers lose, too.
Investments in early child development benefit states now. This year, policy makers in every state are forced to make hard choices. Priority must go to programs whose demonstrated economic and societal benefits, based on solid research, save money now and generate future revenue.