Opposing Politicians Agree — Proposition 14 Boosts the Economy, Helps Kids

Has been updated: 19 minutes ago Release: 33 minutes ago

We are from different political parties. We disagree, sometimes bitterly, on some of today’s most controversial issues. But we are united around the City’s Proposition 14, the Care for Kids initiative. We all agree that Anchorage’s lack of affordable childcare needs to be addressed if the economy is to grow.

Prop. 14 Dedicates Current Local Marijuana Sales Tax to Providing Affordable Child Care and Pre-Kindergarten for Children in Anchorage. It will not create a new tax, nor will it increase the current marijuana tax rate. The income from the Anchorage marijuana tax goes towards quality childcare and early childhood education, something that we know will pay big dividends in the future. In fact, it even goes one step further and lowers the city’s total tax cap by $1 million. A proposal for submission to voters was unanimously approved by the Anchorage Legislature.

Here’s the reality: Childcare will continue to drag down the Anchorage economy unless we do something about it. The US Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Chamber of Commerce, and Anchorage Chamber of Commerce all recognize access to affordable child care and pre-kindergarten facilities as a major barrier to business growth. Businesses suffer when employees are unable to work steadily because they cannot find or pay for childcare. The parenting crisis is preventing the strong recovery we all hoped for once the pandemic subsides. Prop. 14 can provide us with a significant competitive advantage as Anchorage looks to reverse its economic decline and attract new investment and industries.

Proposition 14 is a smart investment in our future. We know that quality childcare and early education help children learn to read and write, succeed in their K-12 classes, graduate from high school, and contribute positively to their communities. . Making child care and early education accessible to more families could save taxpayers money in the long run by reducing costs associated with correctional education, behavioral problems, and even the juvenile justice system. increase.

Not all families want or need childcare. But our community as a whole benefits from addressing one of the biggest problems making it difficult to do business in Anchorage.Proposition 14 is something we can all support. Yes, it is a fair and novel way of solving a major problem in the community. For more information, visit the Props website at careforkidsanchorage.com.

As you vote in this election, please remember: The most important votes are at the bottom of the ballot. VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 14.

Eric Croft He is a former Alaska State Senator (Democrat) and a member of the Anchorage Congress.

Fred Dyson He is a former Alaska State Legislator (as a Republican) and a member of the Anchorage Congress.

ivy spawnholz Former Alaska State Senator (Democrat).

Sarah Rasmussen Former Alaska State Senator (Republican).

Croft, Dyson, Spohnholz and Rasmussen are members of the steering committee of the Yes on 14 – Care for Kids campaign.

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