"Federal release: Pay Now or Pay Much More Later (October 7, 2011)"

Law enforcement leaders in Michigan and across the country are urging policymakers to protect and even strengthen high- quality early care and education during these tough economic times. There is strong evidence that these programs can help at-risk children succeed, reduce the likelihood that they will commit crimes and save taxpayer dollars by lowering prison costs.

While law enforcement has been working hard to reduce crime, the state was still spending $1.9 billion in 2010 on corrections with over 45,000 Michigan adults locked up in either state or federal prisons on the first day of 2010. High- quality early education can keep children from ever starting down the expensive path leading to prison.