Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is asking state lawmakers for $25.5 million for early education funding. That would include $10 million for PreK Counts allowing 1,670 additional children to attend quality preschool programs in the state, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
Corbett says that each dollar invested in early childhood education saves $17 in later costs, including incarceration. Moreover, children with preschool education are more likely to complete high school, whereas high school drop outs are more likely to be arrested. Most inmates in prison do not have high school diplomas and cost states more $38,000 a year.
Gov. Corbett could not say whether he thought lawmakers would approve the funding.
