Center for Public Policy Priorities Calls Refusal to Use Rainy Day Fund "Unconscionable"

The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) is a nonpartisan policy institute that is primarily committed to improving public policies on behalf of low- to moderate- socioeconomic Texans.

This "think tank" has tackled a variety of issues, including the recent Texas budget proposals and legislature. In the wake of the passage of HB1 on April 1, 2011, CPPP released a statement outlining the probable results of such a decision to drastically cut funding to necessary and invaluable program, including public education. The CPPP offers other effective solutions to the State's revenue issue including the usage of the Rainy Day fund, elimination of "unwarrented" tax exemptions, and increasing taxes. The CPP inadvertantly deems the House cowardly in their decision-making and calls their refusal to utilize the proffered Rainy Day fund "unconscionable".

You can read CPPP's full statement here.

The PEW: Pre-K First Step to Education Reform

sources:

http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/news_room_detail.aspx?id=58769

http://www.pre-know.org/

http://nieer.org/

"The immediate future of pre-K seems much more perilous than past trends might suggest."

W. Steven Barnett, Co-director of the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers University

"If we want to improve our schools, Congress should add funds and incentives into the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to build on state investments and strengthen pre-K's proven ability to prepare children for success in school and in life."

Marci Young, project director with Pre-K Now, and Julia B. Isaacs, The Child and Family Policy Fellow at the Brookings Institution

"As pure economic stimulus it is hard to beat pre-K programs," Barnett said. "Pre-K is a high-return investment in our children's future that will help pay for the deficits we run now. In the meantime it generates jobs in local communities, with virtually none of the money spent on imported goods or services...it is bad policy, doing little to improve child development or the quality of our future workforce."

The Case for Pre-K

• Pre-k benefits all children academically, socially and emotionally.
• High-quality pre-k for all nets a high return on investment in children and the community.
• The most important brain development occurs by age six.
  
• Pre-k is the first step to education reform.

The PEW Center on the States views investment in Pre-K programs as a beneficial tool which yields a high return for state investment but perhaps more importantly for children within the community. Numerous PEW funded studies assessing the efficacy of early educational programs cite beneficial gains achieved for children enrolled in early education programs notably: increased academic and social preparedness to enter elementary school, an overall decrease in the need for special education services, and an increased positive attitude towards learning and education. Additionally, longitudinal studies have cited that children enrolled in early Pre-K programs tend to be more successful at reaching high school completion and contributing to their community as adults.

Playing Keep-Away

Center for Public Policy Priorities - "Playing Keep-Away"
Center for Public Policy Priorities - Children's Budget 2012-2013

The Center for Public Policy Priorities (CPPP) is a nonpartisan policy institute that is primarily committed to improving public policies on behalf of low- to moderate- socioeconomic Texans.

Through a "Policy Point" and subsequent news release, the CPPP has brought to light the shortcomings of the proposed State budget in meeting the needs of Texas' children. The budget as outlined decreases the amount of monetary assistance given to benefit children even as the need increases.

Within the "Policy Point", numbers and percentages are thrown out that, at face-value, appear to be encouraging and promoting the welfare of our children.  The budget proposes spending $77 Billion on children in 2012-2013; 49% of that budget is set aside for education, 25% for health, 16% for nutrition, etc.  However, when one reads further, the CPP uncovers the cold, hard truth - our children are being short-changed.  The chart provided shows us the reality of the proposed budget.  Financial appropriations that benefit the State's children are being drastically cut.  Education alone is receiving a 49% decrease in contributions by the federal government with an overall 16% decrease.  The only other area that will be receiving a greater percentage decrease in support is Juvenile Justice.

As pointed out by both CPPP's "Policy Point" and News Release, the 2012-2013 proposed budget ultimately will invest $10 billion less in our children.

In CPPP's report, "Playing Keep-Away", the percentage of Texas children relying on education, health care, and nutrition has greatly increased in the past ten years.  The number of children enrolled in public education increased 21% and children in pre-kindergarten classes increased 43%.  As these numbers rise and the need for financial contributions into these programs increases, the actual monetary assistance received decreases.  As mentioned previously, this year public education is proposed to be subjected to a 16% decrease in assistance.

As the gap between need and assistance continues to widen, what will happen to those most vulnerable to its effects?  We are playing keep-away with Texas children's education, and ultimately their futures.