Cutting funding for preschool is wrong

Regarding Todd Dorman's May 6 column: I wholeheartedly agree that pulling education funding for preschool is wrong. I believe it is the worst thing that could happen to Iowa.

When will folks learn that until we place education first, we will continue to have problems filling skilled jobs with Iowans vs. non-Iowans? Why would these candidates not fund a program proven to work?

The three GOP hopefuls say “they don't want the state providing universal preschool as that's the job of the parents, churches and grandmas, etc.” The only problem with that scenario is that many families are two-job families. That leaves little time to prepare their children.

It has been proved that for every dollar spent on the front end of a child's education, there is a savings on the back end. Children are more able to compete in the job market and get jobs that pay more, thus eliminating some poverty, health and juvenile justice issues.

How truly out-of-touch are these candidates to propose such a hideous solution to the budget crisis? I'm voting for Democratic candidates who care about a balanced budget and meeting the needs of Iowans.

Cheryl Anderson

Cedar Rapids