In his recent State of the State address, Gov. Rick Snyder called for a "major budget commitment" to fund Michigan's free pre-school program for at risk children. Michigan Radio’s next Issues & Ale event will examine the benefits of early childhood education, not only for the poor, but for society as a whole. How valuable is early education to children in Michigan, and how does our cash strapped state pay for it?
Michigan Radio’s All Things Considered host Jennifer White will emcee the discussion on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at ConnXtions Comedy Club in Lansing. The public is invited to attend and join in the discussion with their questions and comments. Admission is free.
Panelists for the event will include:
- Susan Broman – Director of Michigan’s Office of Great Start
- Peter Pratt - President of Public Sector Consultants
- Pat Sosa VerDuin - Executive Director of Ready for School
Michigan Radio will be live tweeting from the event using the hashtag: #earlyed
This community event is part of Michigan Radio’s “State of Opportunity” project. This multi-year project is looking at what can be done to break the cycle of poverty and improve opportunities for Michigan’s most disadvantaged children.
Issues and Ale is an event series co-sponsored by Michigan Radio and the Center for Michigan designed to engage people in conversations about important issues facing Michigan...in an informal atmosphere. Issues & Ale events have been held in pubs, sports bars and comedy clubs across southern Michigan, with topics ranging from the state’s new Right-To-Work law, K-12 education in Michigan, and the future of renewable energy. More information about Issues & Ale is available here.
