December 12, 2007

Investment in First Class Pre-K Will Produce Returns Greater Than Economic Development Projects
 

Gov. Riley discusses First Class during a visit to a pre-K classroom in Mobile.

MOBILE – Governor Bob Riley made the case today for his First Class pre-kindergarten program in the same county that landed the largest economic development project in the nation and argued that legislators should view investments in early education the same as they do for industry recruitment. 

“We really should look at First Class pre-K the same way we look at economic development,” Governor Riley said after visiting a pre-kindergarten class in Mobile. “One reason why Alabama has had outstanding economic success is we’re willing to make smart investments in economic development. We know by experience that our investments pay off. We’ll get an even greater, quicker return on our investment in First Class pre-K than we will on economic development projects.” 

The Governor’s point echoes one made by researchers and economists, including Dr. Keivan Deravi of Auburn University at Montgomery. “An investment in pre-K can produce, at least in part, as strong, if not stronger, a return on the state’s investment as other recent economic development projects,” states a report that Dr. Deravi prepared for VOICES for Alabama’s Children.  

That report, titled “Economics of Pre-K in Alabama,” and many others examining the positive effects of pre-kindergarten are being touted by Governor Riley and other supporters as evidence of the fiscal and societal benefits of high quality pre-K.

"Various studies of other states’ programs show, under even the most conservative estimates, that a program like First Class will return $1.18 to $2.25 to the state for every dollar spent on pre-K," said Governor Riley.  "That’s because high quality pre-K saves taxpayers money both in the short- and long-term.  Fewer children will need to be placed in special education and be held back a grade.  More will graduate from high school and go on to college.  As adults, they’re more likely to get a high-paying job and less likely to end up on welfare or in prison.  First Class pre-K is a win both for the students and society at large."

First Class builds on the state’s existing pre-K program that is rated the best in the nation for its high quality standards by the National Institute for Early Education Research.

However, access to Alabama’s existing pre-K program is severely limited. Only four percent of the state’s four-year-olds -- about 2,400 children -- have access to it. Governor Riley’s plan would triple that number in its first year and by 2011 would provide access to pre-K for 21,000 children.

German steel company ThyssenKrupp broke ground on a $3.7 million plant last month that is being built in northern Mobile County. The construction phase is expected to require 29,000 workers. The steel and stainless steel processing facility will open in 2010 and will employ 2,700 people when in full operation.