Governor Edwards says one of the signature pieces of legislation he is supporting this year is the financing of early childhood education and development. The science is there, the experts seem to all agree - if states are looking for a return on investment in education, this is the best course of action. The real question is, will this bill make it through the legislature and become law? The numbers being proposed are not the full ask of what needs to be done, but it’s a good start. To help understand this initiative and where it’s headed, Newell invited Governor Edwards onto the program Thursday morning to discuss.“Governor, the experts are all in agreement on this, the science of this is sound, but will there be an agreement in the state legislature?” Newell asked.“I think there will be!” Edwards answered. “It just makes sense. 90% of brain development happens by the time a child is four years old. You can’t wait until after that to engage them and expect the best possible outcome. We need more of our young children getting good, quality early childhood education and childcare and we can only do that by expanding funding. The good news is, there is widespread bipartisan agreement in both the House and Senate on that. I’m also very heartened by all the business people that are supporting this initiative, and I really believe it will be the key to us finally producing the better education outcomes we want in Louisiana.”“Would it be safe to say that if a child is behind, with the infrastructure and the manner in which we deliver education today, it’s almost impossible to get them caught up? We’re just not set up for that challenge, are we?” Newell continued.
Newell: Louisiana kids can't compete without Edwards' early childhood education plan
By Newell NormandFeb 13, 2020
Newell Normand
Newell Normand - Wake up people! That’s Newell Normand’s mantra…and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff turned talk host has lots of “empirical data” to…
