Prop K is good investment

Proposition K is an initiative to establish a children's services fund for the county of Cape Girardeau. The fund is to assist in establishing prevention programs for children and families.

In 2011 a needs assessment was conducted by Drs. Miller, Pope and Ward at Southeast Missouri State University. This assessment indicates there is at least a $5 million shortfall in necessary services to children and families in Cape Girardeau County. These services include respite care, temporary and emergency shelter, school-based prevention programs, outpatient psychiatric care, and the list goes on.

Last year Cape Girardeau County public schools identified 240 homeless youth attending school. Cape Girardeau County public schools rank above the state average in high school dropout rates, on par with some of the poorest counties in the state. Teen pregnancies occur anywhere from 80-120 live births each year.

It can cost tax payers tens of thousands of dollars in public assistance to see a teenager through the pregnancy and the first year of life for the child.

Many children go without necessary psychiatric services because of the lack of capacity to provide these services.

Other counties in Missouri have established a children's services fund and have seen great results. These funds are overseen by a volunteer committee of local citizens chosen by the county commissioners to ensure funds are properly used.

One penny on every four dollars is an investment worth making, an investment in our children, and an investment in our county. Vote "yes" on Prop K.

KYLE SCHOTT, Cape Girardeau