Tiberi backs early childhood education

In this divided political environment, we can all agree that voters are tired of the same old political debates and government proposals. They want fresh ideas and new ways to tackle big challenges. Even on issues where Republicans and Democrats agree in principle, we struggle to make progress. Congressman Pat Tiberi is a notable exception.

In March, I attended Save the Children Action Network’s Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. The event shed a spotlight on the need to expand access to early education and organized advocates to meet with their members of Congress. I was pleased to meet with U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township, and discuss the importance of early education and his introduction of the Social Impact Partnerships to Pay for Results Act, a bill that would support new social impact partnerships for early childhood education.

These types of collaborative relationships between government and the private sector are already at work in Cuyahoga County, and they’re getting results. Despite public support and clear data that shows the value of expanding access to quality early education, we often lack the political will to invest in these programs. We get caught up in traditional debates over where to cut spending elsewhere or if new taxes are needed.

Meanwhile, year after year, potential preschool students miss out on attending programs. Through government inaction and partisan bickering, our politicians, parents and teachers fail many of the most vulnerable among us.

November’s election results sent a clear message to Washington: it is time to put aside tired debates and disagreements. While we might share different political goals, I’m glad that Rep. Tiberi took the time to hear my concerns and make the health, well-being, and education of America’s young people a priority in Congress.

Crystal Lett Columbus