The numbers show pre-K makes good economic sense. Studies show the long-term benefits: positive brain development in a child’s early years means they’re more likely to succeed in school, find steady, meaningful employment, enjoy better health, and stay out of the prison system.

Quality childcare exists in Anchorage, but it’s wildly expensive. Because our university system is subsidized, it can cost more to send a 3-year old to preschool than it does to send a young adult to UAA.

By not investing in our youngest, we’re 'saving ourselves poor.' We’re still running a system that, for most families, all but forces one parent to drop out of the workforce.

An obvious place to start? The Anchorage School District currently uses federal funds to run pre-K programs in areas that are more socioeconomically challenged and where schools offer free or reduced lunches. About 700 kids are on the waitlist. We can get them into the classroom.

Learn more about our campaign and my ideas for a better Anchorage: http://falseyformayor.com