Issue Position: Education Matters

Issue Position

Alison understands that education is the key to developing the skilled workforce that Kentucky's future economy requires. A good education is pivotal to creating a strong middle class.

Early Childhood Education:

Alison eagerly supports partnerships between the state and local institutions, as well as between the public and private sectors, to expand access to preschool education and quality daycare.

The importance of early childhood education cannot be exaggerated. Repeated studies have shown that once children fall behind, they rarely catch up.

A state screening in 2014 showed that 51 percent of the Kentucky students about to enter kindergarten were not prepared. The problem is particularly acute in economically lagging Appalachian and rural areas and in low-income urban neighborhoods.

Alison believes that this is a tragedy. She knows that Kentucky does not have a child to waste.

College Affordability:

Alison firmly advocates state government partnerships with the federal government, universities and private lenders to rein in the soaring cost of a college education and to make college loans more affordable to pay off.

At a time when young people have difficulty finding good jobs, Kentucky students are graduating from college with average debts of more than $20,000. And, in many cases, the amount is much more.

Alison is committed to placing our future generations ahead of partisan politics.

Civics:

Alison takes seriously her role as Chief Advocate for Civic Engagement. During her first year as Secretary of State, Alison released Kentucky's first-ever Civic Health Index and initiated a statewide series of roundtable discussions at Kentucky's universities and colleges to improve Kentucky's overall civic health.

Following the 15-stop civic health tour, Alison issued an assessment summarizing the problems and solutions identified and calling on Kentuckians to continue the conversation about the common good in the Commonwealth.

As part of her ongoing effort to increase civic participation, Alison has asked the General Assembly to create a Task Force on Civic Education and Engagement to study the current state of civic education in Kentucky, identify best practices in civic education and engagement, and recommend to the General Assembly methods for increasing the civic literacy and capacity of our students, enabling them to be informed citizens of our Commonwealth.

Additionally, the office sponsors an annual essay and slogan contest, focused on election-related issues. The contest is open to students in middle and high school, expanding civic awareness among young Kentuckians who will soon be eligible to vote. Each year Alison also honors leaders in civic education, highlighting their work and commitment to improving civic health in the Commonwealth.

And since taking office, Alison and members of her staff have participated in numerous Naturalization Ceremonies where she's helped hundreds of new citizens register to vote!

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