Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice: Study: Pre-K a fiscal boon in region
“A $40 million investment in pre-kindergarten education would generate $72 million in new spending in the Northeastern Pennsylvania economy, according to a study released Friday.
The analysis, released by the statewide Pre-K for PA campaign and conducted by ReadyNation/America’s Edge, calculates how an expansion of early education in the Commonwealth generates business and jobs and found that statewide, every dollar Pennsylvania invests in pre-k programs generates $1.79 in new spending.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, a $40 million investment would give nearly 6,400 more 3- and 4-year-old children access to publicly funded, high-quality education. The study defines Northeastern Pennsylvania as Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties. The $40 million would generate $72 million in spending, including $32 million outside the early education sector. The spending would include $7 million in services, $5 million in real estate and construction, $6 million in insurance and finance and $4 million in retail and wholesale trade. Statewide, about $1 billion is needed annually to fund pre-k for about 170,800 children who do not currently have access.”
Read the full story here.
