Don't let Preschoolers be Political Pigskins

A Preschool California e-mail alert today pointed out that Phil Angelides, in his campaign kick-off today, was clear in his support for expanded access to pre-school: “Instead of slashing education, I’ll be a Governor who protects it and strengthens it, and makes preschool available on a voluntary basis for every 4-year-old in the state.”

This is terrific news for San Francisco. According to the 2000 Census (and reported by the Legislative Analyst office), San Francisco leads California counties in lowest percentage of residents under age 18--a whopping 14% compared to the state average of 27%. Supporting families in the city through quality early education and other efforts will help keep our city family-friendly. Quality early education will save the SF Unified School District money from reduced remedial ed., the D.A.'s budget from reduced crime, and even the Department of Public Health in better health for these kids in later life.

With all thse financial gains, you'd hope that this would appeal to both sides of the aisle--and in large part, it does. Republican Governors across the country support early education and are committing significant state investments towards building their state's education system and future economy. A report about the economic impact of the child care and early education industry in San Francisco will be out later this year.

I fear that Angelides' bold statement in support of Preschool for All will suddenly turn this bipartisan no-brainer into a political football. Particularly given that the state legislative analyst Elizabeth Hill suggested that the Governor's flawed Prop. 49 of 2002 dedicating general funds to after-school program funding should be repealed.

Let's hope we're not asked to choose blue or red children's programs, and that no matter what party you're in, you support a good idea when you see it.