According to a report released this week, smart investments in young
children will produce increases in economic productivity and growth, and
reduce the burden on taxpayers of the costs of remedial education,
welfare, crime and poverty. The report was released by the Michigan League
for Human Services and Michigan's Children.
The report was produced by the Economic Policy Institute in Washington,
D.C. and authored by economist Robert G. LYNCH. According to the report,
investments in comprehensive high quality early childhood programs
generate more than $2 in returns to taxpayers for every $1 invested.
Lynch noted that there is a growing consensus among economists and
business leaders that early intervention to improve young children's
health, family environments and readiness for school represents one of the
best and most productive uses of public funds because of proven return to
the public treasury.
The study shows that within 25 years, the offsetting budget savings for a
nationwide comprehensive early childhood development program for children
in poverty would reach $31 billion.
“This important report shows that growing child poverty and a less
productive economy are the price we are paying for our failure to invest
in children,” said Sharon PETERS of Michigan's Children. “It also provides
us with a road map by demonstrating that new investments in young children
will not only benefit children and families, but will improve the health
of our economy and help the state balance its budget each year.”
