Lenexa Police Chief Ellen Hanson Plugs Pre-K in Kansas

Lawmakers in Topeka, Kansas heard some unusual arguments this week for funding pre-kindergarten after prosecutors and police brass showed up at a news conference urging high quality early education programs. The Kansas City Star covered the story which comes as Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is seeking an additional $30 million for early child programs, much of it aimed at at-risk children from poor families.

Lenexa Police Chief Ellen Hanson, who spoke out at the conference, is part of a national group of law enforcement officers who say early education can prevent crime, known as “Fight Crime, Invest in Kids.’’; the group is a resource for those seeking more about the connection.