The importance of prioritizing Florida’s youngest kids

Ask me what makes me optimistic these days, and I will tell you this: One hundred Florida mayors, big cities to suburbia to small towns, have signed a letter asking Gov. Ron DeSantis to prioritize early childhood as he sets his agenda for Florida’s future. These leaders, representing millions of citizens in both blue and red districts, have come together to support greater investment in the state’s youngest children.

The 100 mayors represent large population centers — Miami, Orlando, Naples and St. Petersburg, among others — as well as suburban and rural communities from Mount Dora to Pahokee, Gainesville and DeLand. Twelve cities in Broward have signed on, the most of any county.

We are appreciative for the participation in this initiative of all these mayors, and for their support of our advocacy on behalf of Florida’s youngest citizens: Cooper City Mayor Greg Ross, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Adams, Hollywood Mayor Josh Levy, Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers, Lauderdale-By-TheSea Mayor Chris Vincent, Lauderhill Mayor Ken Thurston, Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam, North Lauderdale Mayor Ana Ziade, Parkland Mayor Christine Hunschofsky, Pembroke Park Mayor Ashira Mohammed, Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis, Plantation Mayor Lynn Stoner, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan, Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer, and Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez.

It is especially significant that 100 mayors with an array of political leanings can agree on any one issue — in this case, the importance of early childhood to Florida’s future prosperity. As state legislators come together this spring to agree on Florida’s priorities and express them in budgets and agendas, these 100 mayors hope Governor DeSantis and Florida legislators take appropriate action as stewards of Florida’s future prosperity and prioritize early childhood when they vote.

Addressing this issue on local and statewide levels is a moral and practical imperative. Beyond what is right, prioritizing Florida’s children’s early lives is also the most practical, effective and efficient solution to numerous challenges faced by our state. More than 325,000 Florida children do not have health insurance. We spend less than $3,000 a year to educate a child in pre-K, but more than $50,000 a year to incarcerate a juvenile. These 100 mayors want the governor to adopt a preventive (rather than reactive) approach to state budgeting. This would save lives — and tax dollars.

Were all children cared for and sheltered from damaging stressors in the early years, they would have a stronger start at leading a self-sufficient life of service to society, and Florida would be an even better place to live and work. We know from the national research that early investment in young children provides greater prosperity for future generations. For every $1 spent on early learning initiatives, at least $8 dollars are returned to society in the form of fewer high school dropouts, fewer incarcerated individuals, and higher earnings.

Thank you, Governor, for all you can do.