Tennessee Governor, Phil Bredesen, has responded to an email I sent him last week. Education has typically been an important issue for him, and he didn’t disappoint in his response to me. As I thought before, the real problem in our state lies with the legislature. Here’s my original email, and his response.

Dear Gov. Bredesen,

I watched on tv the shameful interruption of a press conference by Pre-K advocates by Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey. I found it incredibly childish. I can’t understand why politicians get so offended by criticism. It is part of the job. As I told him in an email, criticizing the government is one of the fundamental rights in this nation. I believe you are of like mind. I’ve never seen you respond to the Nashville Scene’s constant criticism.

More than his behavior, I am very concerned by his mindset. I fear that mindset still has a hold on Capitol Hill. I’ve heard other lawmakers refer to Pre-K as “subsidized daycare”. That comment is highly offensive. I strongly desire for our education in Tennessee to be the finest in the nation. This can never happen if it is underfunded. Quality education is one of the best deterrents for crime. When people know better, they generally do better.

We must group Pre-K together with K-12 and higher education. I believe success in school and life starts at a very early age.

Respectfully,
–
Jonathan Sanders

a very concerned Tennessean

June 22, 2009

Dear Jonathan:

Thank you for contacting me about the Tennessee Voluntary pre-K Program.  I appreciate hearing from you.

In my travels across the state and conversations with educators from Memphis to Bristol, there is one thing I consistently hear. Teachers and principals all speak of the important role preschool plays in a child’s success by putting kids on an even footing on the first day of school. I am a firm believer that the foundation for building a better education system begins with preschool.  Pre-K remains, dollar for dollar, the best investment we can make in improving the chances for our children’s educational success.

Because of this, I support pre-K classrooms in communities throughout our state. My commitment to this program has continued through good budget times and through difficult ones such as those we are now experiencing.  As we work through the budget process and find ways to deal with a revenue shortfall of about $800 million, we will have to make difficult decisions about where we make cuts.  Even so, my budget fully preserves pre-K and K-12 education funding.

Please be assured that the education of our young people remains my top priority as Governor.

Warmest regards,

Phil Bredesen