Christina N. Taylor
I’m writing to urge Larimer County people to take into consideration a “yes” vote on Proposition EE, a statewide tobacco/vaping tax that will allow us to present universal access to preschool for 4-12 months-olds in Colorado.
This measure will go a very long way in closing the instructional hole for our state’s preschoolers, and is an crucial first step in growing academic entry and fairness for Colorado kids.
Investigate regularly demonstrates that early childhood education is 1 of the incredibly most effective investments we can make for our little ones, with an believed return on investment decision of $8.60 for just about every greenback expended.
It is vital to note how considerably we have discovered in excess of the past few months about educational obtain in our community. As schools shut down in March due to COVID-19 restrictions, and households were forced to opt for between performing or managing their children’s remote studying, we were being plainly demonstrated just how essential public training is to our neighborhood.
Families depend on community education and learning so they can get the job done and contribute to our nearby financial system. When children have a secure, caring surroundings that supports their expansion and enhancement, family members can function and succeed without additional anxiety about their children’s schooling demands.
High-quality early education also supports youngsters in their very long-time period instructional attainment, as nicely as elevated earnings in excess of their lifetime. General public expenditure in early training is important to help the properly-currently being of our group, and a indeed vote on Proposition EE is a vital very first step.
Taxing vaping goods is overdue as nicely. By leaving these extremely addictive solutions tax-totally free, we have produced it substantially less difficult for youth to vape. Colorado has 1 of the best youth vaping fees in the country.
As a qualified who has labored in both the general public health and instruction arenas during my profession, I have a deep appreciation for why this proposition is proper for Larimer County and for Colorado and will add to the overall health and properly-currently being of kids for several years to come.
I’d be remiss if I did not acknowledge the other locations this tobacco/vaping tax will support. Tens of millions in funding will also flow to our state’s community schools, to inexpensive housing and eviction guidance, and for tobacco cessation programs.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made funding desires in all of these spots, and Proposition EE could not be any much better timed.
If Proposition EE passes, there will be considerably work to be accomplished in Larimer County to make certain the demands of the community are fulfilled by the added funding.
Thankfully for our young children, we have a strong community of companies and folks ready to roll up their sleeves to do this perform, to make certain that common preschool is implemented in a way that advantages Colorado children and the early care and instruction sector as a full.
Christina N. Taylor is govt director of the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County.
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