Spend less on prisons, more on schools.In recent decades, states imposed extremely harsh corrections policies that greatly increased both the number of prisoners and their average sentence, at great cost to state budgets. By making these policies more rational, states could shift funding from prison to more productive investments, without harming public safety.
Improve school funding formulas. K-12 schools in low-income neighborhoods are often poorly funded because the local property tax base is so weak. As a result, children from these neighborhoods begin their education without the resources and supports they need to succeed. States can help by adopting funding formulas that give extra support to low-income districts. Many state funding formulas don’t push back very much against these inequities; some even worsen them.
Expand early education.States can help families work and kids learn by investing in quality, affordable early care and education programs, as well as after-school programs.