Early Education Crucial to Lowering Our Prison Populations

"Nationwide, seven out of 10 people locked up in state prisons don’t have a high-school diploma. In getting to the root of the problem, it all boils down to a strong foundation for success provided by high-quality preschool and early education programs. As sheriffs and leaders of large law enforcement agencies, these programs are especially important to both of us. We both were among the more than 1,000 law enforcement leaders who signed a letter urging support for a new state-federal partnership proposed by the Obama administration. The proposal would provide states with $99 billion to initiate and strengthen quality preschool and early childhood programs."

Rich Stanek, sheriff of Hennepin County, Minn., and Dan Ash, sheriff of Wyandotte County, Kan, in an op-ed in Roll Call, http://www.rollcall.com/news/investment_in_early_childhood_education_will_cut_crime_and_save_money-228463-1.html?pg=1 October 16, 2013