The smartest investment we can make: our children

An independent source of data and research for policymakers, the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children works tirelessly to shed light on the state of early care and education in Louisiana.

Currently the situation is grim — our childcare sector has been decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using sports betting revenues to fund greater access to early care and education is a necessary and smart call. In fact, public spending on early care and education yields a 13 percent return on investment as children experience lifelong benefits and parents are able to work.

Where else would we see a 13 percent return?

– Libbie Sonnier, Ph.D., executive director of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children