Welcome to Atlanta, Mr. President. Now about pre-k . . .
President Barack Obama is expected in Atlanta today, to pitch a problem to a solution.
No, I don’t have that backward.
The president’s planned visit today to a Decatur pre-k school comes on the heels of his lauding Georgia’s preschool program during his State of the Union address Tuesday night. He wants to use it as a model for a federal effort “to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America.”
While I join Obama in applauding educational innovation in the states, I can think only of reasons a federal preschool program is a bad idea. Not least is the fact that the existing federal preschool program, Head Start, has been declared a failure by the very agency that administers it.
Head Start, a program for low-income children, has been around since 1965. But three years ago, after four and a half decades and $166 billion spent on the program, the Department of Health and Human Services concluded first-graders who had been in Head Start held virtually no advantage over their peers who hadn’t.
It’s an expensive failure, costing more than $7.5 billion per year to serve fewer than 1 million kids. At $7,838, Head Start’s cost per student in 2011 nearly doubled the $4,302 Georgia spent on each pre-k student that year.
But if Georgia is getting better results at roughly half the price, shouldn’t we want to see its model copied in other states?
Maybe so. Or maybe other states have different needs. Either way, they won’t match our success — and we won’t maintain it — if the feds take over pre-k.
As U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss put it to me last month: “There are too many people in Washington who are entrenched in the idea that if the federal government’s going to be involved in a program, we need to control it. And the way you control it is with money.”
Chambliss was talking about obstacles to devolving federal programs such as k-12 education and Medicaid to the states. But this fact of life in Washington is also a certain preview of how pre-k will turn out if it’s federalized.
There will be money, but also strings: regulations, stipulations, expectations. Even in Georgia the program won’t look like it does now, because the feds will craft policies for Savannah and Seattle, and everywhere in between. Successive agency heads for the program will want to put their stamps on it, if only to justify their jobs and budgets.
And, as clearly as Georgia’s elected leaders should see this coming, they’ll be hard-pressed to avoid it. The money will be too hard to pass up.
Georgia spends about one-third of its lottery proceeds on pre-k, about $312.4 million in next year’s projected revenues. The rest goes to the HOPE scholarship. How tempting will it be for a Georgia governor one day, if the value of HOPE continues to shrink relative to the cost of tuition, to take the federal pre-k dollars and devote all lottery revenues to college students?
But it will be fool’s gold, and not only because there’s no such thing as “free money” from the feds since taxpayers foot the bill sooner or later.
There’s also this: Those folks who rate government programs chiefly by how much money we spend on them will declare this a good deal — at first. Eventually, though, they’ll bemoan the falling quality of pre-k in Georgia and beseech Atlanta or Washington to cough up more money so that it can regain the effectiveness it once had … back when it was a cheaper, state-run program.
Washington this year is projected to borrow $7 billion (almost the annual cost of Head Start) every three days. Yet, Democrats and some Republicans are wringing their hands about the so-called sequester budget cuts that would trim that figure by barely one-tenth. So, you’d think this is exactly the wrong time for the feds to take on yet another role the states have proven themselves capable of handling.
That Obama is holding up Georgia’s pre-k program as a reason for Washington to get more involved in pre-k, rather than as evidence the states can handle more roles the feds can’t afford, shows just how backward he has it.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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418 comments Add your comment
getalife
February 14th, 2013
2:24 pm
” I WAS part of the solution at one time.”
I have a YouTube clip that says you was part of the problem.
ATL Tiger
February 14th, 2013
2:25 pm
Did you really expect anything else from the Campaigner in Cheif?
President Obama lives in an academic world, a perfect world, that doesn’t take into account the irrational behavior of humans. No one in his administration has worked in the real world, which is why the economy is stagnante. Case in point, Steven Chu a professor who successfully threw billions of dollars away into failed energy companies because he had no idea how businesses operate.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:25 pm
I see that getalife has turned into an internet stalker.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:26 pm
@Tiberius…”I WAS part of the solution at one time.”
As I recall the voters thought you were part of the problem. As for myself I try to be part of the solution…creating jobs and all that jazz.
mike
February 14th, 2013
2:27 pm
I see it really hurts your conservative hearts to see President Obama come here and make a special visit to this Decatur school. At least he is trying to find ways to hopefully make a difference in some childs life. What have you repubs done other than be hateful, disrepectful and have tried to blame this man for any and everything under the sun. Georgia’s education system has been on the bottom long before President Obama came on the scene. Who was responsible for that? They certainly did not look like the President. Sometimes if all you got to say is negative and spiteful, try not saying anything at all. Still have not learned anything from the last election.
getalife
February 14th, 2013
2:27 pm
As a matter of fact, there are several clips saying you was the problem.
sailfish
February 14th, 2013
2:27 pm
tiberius
I hear that charge time and again about this presidents leadership and your opinion is subjective only to your perception; obama’s leadership capabilities are just fine with me, it’s his negotiating skills that are more suspect.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
2:31 pm
@Tiberius…”Yeah, until you have to pay for it.”
You get what you pay for and right now we are on the short end of the stick.
In 2010, the Federal government of the USA spent an average of $11,041 per citizen (per capita). This compares to the 2010 average spending of $16,110 per citizen for the World’s 20 largest economies. Of the 20 largest economies, only six spent less per citizen: South Korea ($4,557), Brazil ($2,813), Russia ($2,458), China ($1,010), and India ($226). Of the 13 that spent more, Norway and Sweden top the list with per citizen spending of $40,908 and $26,760 respectively.
Nice company we keep…real bunch of role models…wonder if they whine about taxes as much as you?
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:40 pm
“What have you repubs done other than be hateful, disrepectful and have tried to blame this man for any and everything under the sun.”
And of course, that never happened with previous Presidents . . . . .
Save your poutrage for the masses, mike.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
2:46 pm
And of course, that never happened with previous Presidents . .
Not to this degree….no nominee for Secretary of Defense has ever been filibustered. The idjits are reaching new heights of obstruction.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 14th, 2013
2:46 pm
Hey, creeper, leave those kids alone!
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:48 pm
JDW, in case you missed it, we are the United States of America and many of us still value freedom and personal responsibility here, even if it is in short supply on the left.
Given our population numbers and sociological makeup, I’d expect nothing less than to have our per person spending be lower than many countries.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 14th, 2013
2:51 pm
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released data Wednesday revealing that 20 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diagnosed each year nationwide, costing some $16 billion in taxpayer funds.
Now how in the hell can it cost us 16 billion dollars a year because some nasty lib can’t keep it’s pants on or at least wash itself every once in a while.
I know how we could save some money.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
2:55 pm
“Not to this degree”
I see that selective memory problems run in your family, Aquagirl.
“no nominee for Secretary of Defense has ever been filibustered.”
Of course, maybe since no Secretary of Defense has ever put in such a poor performance in front of the Senate committee might just have something to do with that.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
February 14th, 2013
3:00 pm
Wow, some sanity emerges from illinois -
“Sheriffs from across the state of Illinois believe that it is their responsibility and duty to uphold the Constitution including the Second Amendment. Rational law abiding citizens are not the cause of random acts of horrific violence in our communities. The focus should be primarily on the lack of mental health services in our country,” the group just announced.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
3:00 pm
since no Secretary of Defense has ever put in such a poor performance in front of the Senate committee might just have something to do with that.
You have the wrong answer, as usual.
JDW
February 14th, 2013
3:02 pm
@Tiberius…”I’d expect nothing less than to have our per person spending be lower than many countries.”
Doesn’t have anything to do with freedom or responsiblity…it’s more of a level of service thing. I would expect the US the be in the top 1/3 or so…especially given the inordinate amount we spend on the military.
Politico
February 14th, 2013
3:02 pm
Let the delay tactics continue. Hagel will still be confirmed
Jefferson
February 14th, 2013
3:02 pm
Some of you sad sacks won’t follow the leader.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
3:06 pm
“You have the wrong answer, as usual.”
No, just the answer you don’t like, Aquagirl.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
3:07 pm
“Doesn’t have anything to do with freedom or responsiblity…it’s more of a level of service thing.”
Not with you it would be about those things, JDW.
Foreign concepts to you.
getalife
February 14th, 2013
3:18 pm
“Former White House Adviser: ‘Alternative Fox Universe’ Is ‘Crumbling’” HP
Can you cons handle reality and living in the real world?
Nope.
It is fitting watching your party self destruct because cons are self defeatists.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 14th, 2013
3:19 pm
for billy ray
First of all, do your own research for a change, a little educational reading is good for you. I know they don’t teach that in Gov schools, but it can be enlightening. But here is what I found on Food stamp recipients by race in 2011.
Whites make up 36.6% of recipients
Blacks 2.28%
Hispanics 9.6%
So, you were wrong to accuse me of making stuff up. Your apology is acceptable.
Aquagirl
I am not a Democrat therefore not a member of any group, organization, movement, or political party, so don’t try to hold me accountable for what someone else posted. I am not my brothers keeper.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 14th, 2013
3:20 pm
oh billy ray
Forgot the link, I’m sure you want to school yourself so you don’t make a fool out of yourself, again.
http://www.trivisonno.com/food-stamps-charts
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
3:21 pm
“Can you cons handle reality and living in the real world?”
Who are you to pose such a question?
Your tenuous hold on reality is well documented on this blog.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
3:22 pm
No, just the answer you don’t like,
Lindsey Graham and John McCain don’t agree with your answer either, but don’t let that slow your 50 ton ego down, certainly you have better inside info.
You better get busy on that press release for the media since the entire Senate is held up due to incorrect info from other Senators.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 14th, 2013
3:25 pm
“Lindsey Graham and John McCain don’t agree with your answer either,”
And their opinion means about as much to me as yours does, Aquagirl.
Politico
February 14th, 2013
3:29 pm
Aqua
Why are you even bothered with these bs delay tactics? The talking heads get to get in a few talking points and pretend they won some victory, yet in the end Hagel will be confirmed.
That is much more assured than the President Romney predictions form a few months ago.
CC
February 14th, 2013
3:30 pm
“At least he is trying to find ways to hopefully make a difference in some childs life”
Hussein could make a tremendous difference in many children’s’ lives if only he would. Since a resignation will not be forthcoming from him, he could have brought every large transport aircraft the government owns with him when he came to load up and relocate the mental defectives who voted for and support him. That action alone would make a huge difference in the lives of the remaining children of Georgia and would have won my applause!. That action would also have dramatically reduced the number of parasites in Georgia.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
3:42 pm
so don’t try to hold me accountable for what someone else posted. I am not my brothers keeper
I’m holding you accountable for your post, where you claimed “Most of the accusations and insults come from the left on this blog, other than a few parasite, takers, and leeches comments, which you may take as racial, but those targeted people make up all the races.”
I didn’t make you open your mouth without engaging your brain, and I am not accountable for your brainless posts that are easily shredded. If you don’t like making incorrect statements your only course of action is to not make them.
You’re really on the wrong track in not joining a group, try a Republican or Tea Party meeting. Nobody will disturb your personal version of reality. Added bonus: the wimminfolk there will fetch your coffee while nodding along enthusiastically to your lies.
And man, what is wrong with all y’all, Doom isn’t the only one who’s slipping here. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel.
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
February 14th, 2013
3:45 pm
Aquagirl
So, what was the incorrect statement. I read the bile, just did not notice the substance.
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
3:51 pm
indigo: A country’s leadership that truly cared for the future would spare no expense in caring for its most precious asset, children. As much as is possible, every child would get good parenting, schools, healthcare and safety. College and trade schools would be avaliable, at no cost, to every high school graduate. This would, as much as possible, insure that every child could grow up to be all they can be. Because selfishness and greed rule in America’s ruling circles, you may be sure the above will never happen.
Thank you for your mindless, stereotyped response, indigo. You, Matz and Mary Elizabeth should get along fine.
In the meantime, over in the real world, mature people understand that we all pretty much share the same hopes and goals for our country, though we may strongly disagree with how to accomplish those lofty goals. Over in the real world, people understand that we are always working with limited resources, and that financial prudence and accountability are necessary at each step of the way. In your Lib world, however, there are only two possibilities. Either you agree that the “government” should provide a cradle to grave life to everyone, including food, shelter, education and a phone, all free of charge, or you are a heartless, un-Christian-like, racist, homophobic, child-hating REPUBLICAN.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
3:53 pm
Rafe, you could save time by simply posting LALALALA CAN’T HEAR YOU. You’re clearly second fiddle to Tiberius’ comic retreat anyhow, so your efforts aren’t worthwhile.
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
3:56 pm
Happy V-day to all of you who have a sweetheart to share it with. For the rest of us:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVuuatjHGnY
Michael H. Smith
February 14th, 2013
4:00 pm
That Obama is holding up Georgia’s pre-k program as a reason for Washington to get more involved in pre-k, rather than as evidence the states can handle more roles the feds can’t afford, shows just how backward he has it.
And this is the “dear leader” of the party that claims the slogan of FORWARD
Truth is Kyle, we of the conservative persuasion know that obama and his crowd have gone far off the constitutional path since Woodrow Wilson and the swapped roles of the federal government with the role intentionally reserved for the States.
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
4:07 pm
For the rest of us:
Geez Bruno, here I was thinking you don’t tell flimsy lies….. and you put up a fake Lisa Stansfield video with some white chick.
Is somebody gonna try and sell me the Brooklyn Bridge next?
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:08 pm
since Woodrow Wilson and the swapped roles of the federal government with the role intentionally reserved for the States.
MHS–It seems to be one of life’s little ironies that members of the political party which constantly touts “diversity” are never satisfied until we have a centralized, one-size-fits-all solution to every problem that comes down the pike.
CC
February 14th, 2013
4:11 pm
Michael H. Smith:
Haven’t you heard? The Constitution is no longer relevant under Hussein and the Obamabots. The new order is, “From each according to his abilities, to each according to his ‘wants’.”
In truth, we are in the era of decline and very predictable near-future collapse.
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:15 pm
and you put up a fake Lisa Stansfield video with some white chick.
Actually, Aquagirl, it was the only youtube version available which didn’t have one of those annoying 15 second commercials attached. I’m considerate of my blogging buddies that way.
It’s too bad that I can’t refer you to a picture of me receiving a commendation from the military Tuesday night on behalf of my office for our service to the troops. You might like me a little better if you could see it. Unfortunately, too many crazies on the blog to link it for you. Last year, Gov. Deal dropped by to commend us as well. It’s nice to be able to give something back.
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:20 pm
Aquagirl–If I haven’t made you barf yet, this one goes out to you and all the ladies here. It came out about the same time as the Lisa Stanfield song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vmGcr7d7fE
CC
February 14th, 2013
4:24 pm
“In 1904 Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie introduced to the world a play entitled: “Peter Pan, or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up”. Similar to the central character in that stage production the American left is primarily made up of those who will not grow up. However, unlike the central character in the play, far too many on the left are self-centered, willfully ignorant and lazy.”
“Winston Churchill touched on this subject matter when he said: “If you are not a socialist at 20, you have no heart. And if you are not a capitalist at 40, you have no brains.” Fortunately, he did not live to see the vast bulk of the so-called progressives, of any age, in America of 2013, who are still in their adolescence.”
“Among the traits expected of those in their adolescent years is the conviction that they are always right and the rest of the world is wrong — that they are, in fact, much smarter than those silly and inane adults around them. However, being part of the in-crowd is really, really important thus they must look for guidance to the cool guys to establish what they are supposed to believe in. And, as in the fairy tales relayed to them while in childhood, there will always be some monolithic entity that will be there to rescue them and insure joy and happiness. Therein are the basic personality parameters of the entity known as the modern American left.”
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:25 pm
Covering you all with thick, sweet syrup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFIOu2sYxoc
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
4:31 pm
It came out about the same time as the Lisa Stanfield song:
There was a spate of “she’s WHITE?!?!” singers around then, wasn’t there? Lisa Stansfield, Taylor Dane, Michael Jackson…..
Congrats on the commendation, it’s nice to know some people don’t think “support the troops” is covered by a bumper magnet. And if Gov. Deal was in your office last year I hope you eventually got your wallet back.
md
February 14th, 2013
4:35 pm
“I see it really hurts your conservative hearts to see President Obama come here and make a special visit to this Decatur school”
Shoot, even the kids had to make a special visit to the school today…..I’m not sure if that’s funny or sad.
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:40 pm
And if Gov. Deal was in your office last year I hope you eventually got your wallet back.
I don’t know if you’ve ever had the chance to meet Gov. Deal, but he definitely has a presence about him, almost like a Mafia don or something. He’s not a very tall fellow, but something about him says “Don’t mess with me”.
Politico
February 14th, 2013
4:47 pm
Valentine’s Day Speed Dating?
Aquagirl
February 14th, 2013
4:51 pm
he definitely has a presence about him, almost like a Mafia don or something.
I’ve never met him, but I remember his commercial spots with his grandkids. They looked like somebody was just off-camera with a cue card and their pet hamster as hostage. I’m sure he’s a nice man to his family but I don’t think he plays Santa at the family gatherings.
Ah, time to run, you and the fake white Lisa have a good evening.
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:57 pm
Michael Jackson…..
The only problem I have with Michael Jackson love songs is that I can’t figure out who he’s singing to. And I definitely don’t want to find out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaDvlJ-PoiE
Do you remember
When we fell in love
We were young
And innocent then
Do you remember
How it all began
It just seemed like heaven
So why did it end?
Bruno
February 14th, 2013
4:58 pm
Ah, time to run, you and the fake white Lisa have a good evening.
My left hand thanks you.
curious
February 14th, 2013
4:59 pm
Rafe Hollister preparing for an Obamanist America
“Whites make up 36.6% of recipients
Blacks 2.28%
Hispanics 9.6%”
What group accounts for the 51.52% ?