A measure to increase Denver taxes to help parents who send their children to preschool education and day-care centers was trailing late Tuesday, though only a fraction of returns were in.
Touted by Mayor John Hickenlooper, the measure wasn’t considered an easy sell. Similar, broader measures failed in 2000 and 2001.
But the campaign benefited from a significant war chest. The Preschool Matters campaign raised more than $1.4 million, more money than for any other Denver campaign since Hickenlooper ran for office.
Indeed, the campaign doubled the money available for last year’s successful passage of another tax to help build the city’s new $378 million justice center.
“I think how well we feel has nothing to do with how much money we have raised,” Preschool Matters campaign treasurer Lynea Hansen said recently. “I think our yard signs are a good indication of how broad-based our support is – they are everywhere.”
The measure, known as Question 1A, would increase sales and use taxes by 12 cents for every $100 spent to raise an estimated $12 million each year for preschool education. It would fund child-care tuition credits for families of 4-year-olds and provide money to improve preschool programs.
Credits would be distributed based on need and the quality of the preschool program selected.
Critics of the program said the money would go to faith-based organizations and would violate the spirit of the separation of church and state. Others have grumbled that the money is needed to shore up traditional city services.
Proponents say it would help as many as 2,000 children gain valuable social skills and a strong preparation for their education.
Staff writer Chuck Plunkett can be reached at 303-954-1333 or cplunkett@denverpost.com.
