North Mississippi -
(WMC-TV) - Retired Mississippi military generals are teaming up to back state-supported early childhood education programs. They say it is a move the state cannot afford to pass up.
As lawmakers make final adjustments to education packages at the capitol, three of Mississippi's military leaders are asking they pay close attention to what is currently lacking.
"Early childhood education has shown it can provide a foundation in which to build upon," said Retired Army Brigadier General Robert Crear.
Mississippi is currently the only state in the south without a state-funded pre-k system. As a result, these generals brought their push straight to lawmakers to get behind legislation that would phase in a pre-k system.
They say the lack of early childhood education is hurting the state economy and the nation's military.
"In the interest of raising upcoming generations who are mentally, physically and morally prepared to succeed in Mississippi, we must extend the effort and funding to ensure high quality leaning is available in our state," said Retired Major General Erik Hearon, U.S. Air Force.
The U.S. Department of Defense put out a study showing 75 percent of 17 to 24 year olds nationwide cannot join the military due to their education.
"That is an alarming percentage to me," said Retired Brigadier General Roger Shields, U.S. Army.
The generals say it is time Mississippi make a move and improve the quality of student achievement.
"We can leave behind our status as being the only state in the South that does not have a state-supported early childhood education or we can keep doing the same thing we've been doing and we'll probably keep getting the same results," said Major General Hearon.
Governor Phil Bryant is asking lawmakers for $3 million in new state funding for Mississippi education building blocks.
If lawmakers can agree on additional legislation, that could mean even more money.
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