| While Republicans appear to be running rampant with burning torches and pitchforks chanting "Slash and Burn!" through the state's budget, it might be worth their while to pay careful attention to a recent poll released last week. Cut early childhood development and education funding and consider yourself on the chopping block. From Monday's subscription-only MIRS- Three-quarters of voters say it is personally important to them to protect early childhood development and education from funding cuts, with 44 percent saying it is extremely important to them and 31 percent saying very important. At least six out of 10 voters across demographic and political subgroups say it is extremely or very important to protect early childhood development and education from funding cuts.
A majority of voters say they would cast their vote depending on a candidate's position on this issue. Fifty-four percent of voters say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who came out in favor of maintaining funding for early childhood development and education, 31 percent were much more likely; 10 percent less likely; 32 percent no difference. Additionally, 54 percent of voters say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who came out in favor of reducing funding for early childhood development and education, 38 percent were much less likely, 15 percent more likely and 26 percent no difference.
Of course this comes on the heels of last week's axing of the Michigan Promise Grant by the Senate Republicans, but only a handful of the caucus are facing re-election. The rest are termed out, allowing them to show their true colors, i.e. kids be damned, or something to that effect. So while they keep the slash and burn mentality, the rest of us are left repeatedly hearing news like this alternative high school that's being forced to close, providing a much-needed second chance for teens. The Legislature is out for the summer recess, but between this poll and the findings of the Cherry Report in '04, you'd think that sooner or later that the Republicans would wise up when it comes to cutting off funding for education. That is, if they ever hope to gain power or seats again. |
