There's more to do to invest in kids

Rising crime rates have been grabbing headlines this summer in Chicago and other Illinois cities.

Now that the governor has made his final cuts to the FY09 budget passed by the General Assembly, we thought it would be helpful to share with you our reactions about what Illinois policy-makers have achieved in terms of preventing crime.

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois is an anti-crime organization of more than 200 sheriffs, police chiefs, state's attorneys and other law enforcement leaders from across the state.

We've taken a hard-nosed look at the evidence and have found what really works to prevent crime - investing in proven programs that ensure kids get the right start in life.

A wide body of research from some of our most esteemed academic institutions tells us that expanding investments in early childhood programs and programs that provide coaching for young parents will significantly cut the number of kids who grow up to become criminals.

In light of the evidence about what works to prevent crime, the FY09 budget is a mixed bag.

The law enforcement members of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois supported an increase in spending for the Early Childhood Education Block Grant, which funds Preschool for All and infant/toddler child development programs.

FY09 spending for the Early Childhood Education Block Grant will be $32.4 million higher than in FY08.

This increase will allow for about 7,000 new three- and four-year-olds to enroll in preschool, but does fall short of the target set by the Preschool for All plan.

The House and Senate passed legislation that extends the Preschool for All program to the Year 2010.

Finally, a proposed capital bill was not adopted, which means that funding for construction and rehab of preschool facilities will not be available anytime soon.

Overall, pre-school investments are on the right track, but there is more to be done.

Sally Puleo

Program Associate

Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois

Chicago