The beginning of September signals the beginning of two annual fall rites: The start of the school year and the official campaign season.
Parents rush around to get children ready for school and candidates put the finishing touches on stump speeches. Although these activities may seem to have little in common they are, in fact, closely related. The people we elect this fall – a new governor, U.S. senator and members of the state Legislature — will have considerable influence over the next generation and the future of our democracy.
However, a recent Franklin and Marshall poll reveals only two-thirds of Pennsylvania’s registered voters say they’re “very likely” to vote in November. We ignore the November elections at our own peril.
Recently Pennsylvania has made significant investments in quality early-childhood education. Research confirms that children who participate have a better chance of graduating from high school, attending college and being employed as adults.
Despite a remarkably high return on investment, public funding for early-childhood education is still quite limited and benefits only 40 percent of Pennsylvania’s eligible young children. The people we elect will make decisions about early-childhood education support and quality. Pennsylvania’s next governor and senator must make early-childhood education a high priority so all children reap the benefits of safe, healthy, high-quality early learning experiences while their parents work.
Our elected officials also determine what kind of support our children receive throughout their educational careers, from kindergarten through college or vocational training. Over the past generation the federal and state share of education funding had decreased dramatically, resulting in larger class size and fewer opportunities for kids. When these drop, the burden shifts to local communities, making the quality of a child’s education dependent on his or her zip code.
The next Congress will vote on federal aid to education. Pennsylvania’s new senator will be involved in significant decisions about how to increase school funding while simultaneously holding districts accountable for higher student achievement. He will also be in a position to increase Pell Grants, the main source of financial aid that enables students from working families to attend college.
A new governor will face pressure to reduce education funding just as Pennsylvania students are beginning to show marked educational improvement aided by recent state funding increases.
Pennsylvanians need a governor and a senator who put students first, who understand that the future of our economy, and indeed our democracy, hinge on investments we make in their education.
Our elected officials also vote on helping families feed their children, on making sure they have health care, on making sure they have a secure future.
As your children begin this school year, remind them about the importance of voting. Make sure they understand what it means to live in a democracy. Discuss the candidates’ views with them. When you go to the polls in November, vote for candidates who will place children’s interests first, because they are the future of our democracy.
Christie Balka is director of Child Care and Budget Policy for Public Citizens for Children and Youth, Southeastern Pennsylvania’s oldest child advocacy.
Delaware County Times – September 13, 2010 – Read article online