Preschool Heroes and Villains

Dr. Bruce Fuller, co-author of PACE Study showing preschool attendance causes behavioral problems in children.

Lisa Snell, Director of Education and Child Welfare, Reason Foundation - Author of The Case Against Universal Preschool In California

Darcy Olsen, President Goldwater Institute, wrote many pieces including: "The Puffed Up Promise of Preschool" with this quote: "It's time for candor. Preschool is neither necessary nor sufficient for cognitive development, behavioral development or school achievement. It won't get a child into Harvard, and it won't keep him out of jail."

Lance Itzumi, Director of Education Studies at the Pacific Research Institute: The Top 10 Myths of Prop 82

California State Senator Don Perata - Senate leader Don Perata withdrew his support for Proposition 82, saying it costs too much to provide state paid preschool to all 4-year-olds and that the measure would be a subsidy to families who can already afford it.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger popular talk show host and outspoken child advocate said, "Preschool is just another word for daycare."

Larry McCarthy, President - California Taxpayers' Association

Thomas L. Sipes, Director - Montessori Schools of Petaluma

Rob Reiner - Prop. 82 was this Meathead's idea. Reiner is currently under investigation for a publicly funded advertising campaign touting the benefits of preschool that coincided with his efforts to gather signatures for Prop. 82.

Antonio Villaraigosa, the Mayor of Los Angeles is co-chair of the Prop 82 campaign. He says, "Teachers agree preschool gives kids a strong start and a solid foundation for the rest of their lives." The teachers got what they paid for...

David Packard, the Founder of the Packard Foundation. The organization's goal is to secure government preschool programs for all 3 & 4 year-olds. They fund preschool-for-all programs in the state of California.

Alan Bersin, Secretary of Education, State of California - Wants to add $50 million in the 2006-07 budget to expand California's preschool program. By the 2008-09 budget year, the amount of new preschool money would climb to $145 million a year. That money would be better spent on improving K-12 education programs. California public schools are ranked among the lowest in country.

Senator Barbara Boxer, supports Prop. 82. Need we say more?

Jack O'Connell, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of California, and Proposition 82 spin-meister.

Lewis Platt, Chairman of the Boeing Company, thinks preschool attendance is a determining factor in the qualifications for job applicants who apply with Boeing. Give me a break! Where is John Stossel when you need him.