The Debate Over Education Funding Continues…

Continually our state legislature meets year after year, re-introduces the same problems, fails to act in an innovative way, and subsequently schools and communities are hurting and frustrated in the meantime. When will we make the bold decisions we need in Pierre? In South Dakota we enjoy a low tax burden; however this also means we have less money in our state government bank account to spend on education. Choices need to be made somewhere to fully fund programs of priority, instead of continuing to inadequately fund several programs. Granted, many programs are great, but there isn’t enough money for everything. I believe heavy investment in education will generate large returns for South Dakota…in the long run. Getting at children early, teaching them and providing them with the necessary tools for growth will, over time, yield desired results. As a direct consequence, we can free up “quick fix” dollars for better use elsewhere. Much of this ideology is found in the book: Investing in Our Children: What We Know and Don't Know About the Costs and Benefits of Early Childhood Interventions, by Lynn A. Karoly, and others.