The Republican candidates for governor all want to cut taxes and cut state spending. But when it comes to early childhood education, they’re all for it.
Gov. Pat Quinn said in the State of the State message a month ago that he wants to boost early childhood education, but he did not name a price. Candidate Bruce Rauner criticizes Quinn for not being devoted enough.
“Education is simply the most important thing we do together as a community. There’s nothing more important. It’s our future, it’s our democracy, it’s our income level, it’s at the core of every challenge that we face, and early childhood education is a core component of that. Pat Quinn has been a disaster for education in Illinois. He has cut education support,” Rauner said.
State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington): “I’m a huge advocate of early childhood education,” he said.
State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) cites scientific studies that point to the ability of pre-schoolers to absorb knowledge, so that when they enter kindergarten or first grade, they are ready to learn.
Candidate Dan Rutherford, the state treasurer, says spending on early childhood education is a wise business decision that will produce a measurable return.