The campaign for a sales-tax hike to fund early-childhood education kicked off Tuesday with endorsements by Mayor John Hickenlooper and several other Denver officials.
The “Preschool Matters” campaign gathered on the steps of the Denver City and County Building with balloons and children in tow to emphasize its mission.
“Education is absolutely the key to our future – and ensuring that Denver parents have access to quality, affordable preschool for their children is a critical part of improving our public schools,” Hickenlooper said.
“Early-childhood education’s documented return on investment shows that this is one of the best investments we can make in Denver’s kids and Denver’s future,” the mayor said.
The $12 million-a-year-program would cost residents 12 cents on every $100 purchase. The plan would raise funds for child-care tuition credits for families of 4-year-olds. It also would provide money to improve preschool programs.
Credits would be distributed based on need and the quality of the preschool program selected. Parents could choose from state-licensed preschool programs.
City Council President Michael Hancock called the measure “extremely important,” and Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennett said, “We will do everything we can to pass this in November.”
Staff writer George Merritt can be reached at 303-820-1657 or gmerritt@denverpost.com.
