We’ve been hearing that question a lot lately relative to the shenanigans going on in our nation’s capitol. It originated as possibly the most famous quote from the 1973 Watergate hearings when Senator Howard Baker asked White House counsel John Dean, “What did the President know and when did he know it?” with regard to President Nixon’s role in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington.
It’s a great question, right? Short and to the point. When the question is asked, it generally seeks to call attention to people in positions of authority who either did, or didn’t do, something that is contrary to the state or nation’s best interest, including something negligent, unlawful, or at least reflecting poor judgment.
In a democracy such as ours, citizens feel they have a right to information that can inform their voting decisions, so the policy choices of our elected leaders are worthy of analysis, especially how those policies impact the well being of all our people and our economic prosperity.
So, what did Mississippians know about our state and when did we know it?
Mississippi has long led the nation in poverty, poor health, teen pregnancy, and other factors that put children and their futures at risk. Here are only a few of the alarming statistics we know:
- A third of all children in MS live in poverty.
- We consistently have among the nation’s worst rates of premature births which can lead to cognitive and neurodevelopmental impairments.
- Only 57% of Mississippians are participating in the labor force (2nd worst).
- We are in the Top 5 for residents collecting disability benefits.
- MS incarcerates a higher percentage of its population than China or Russia.
- Our state’s economy is growing far slower than other southern states and behind the rest of the country.
Mississippi is the only Deep South state that has lost population for three years in a row. According to a report from the College Board, only a little more than half of the graduates of Mississippi’s eight public universities are working in the state five years after graduation. Many of our best and brightest are leaving for better opportunities for themselves and their children.
The maddening thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way! Professor James Heckman’s research shows that every dollar invested in high quality early learning programs can reap $7 in return, or over 13% annualized return on investment. The benefits are seen in reductions in the need for special education and remediation, social and health services, lower incarceration, and increased economic independence.
Some might argue, “But it would take many years to see any benefit.” Wrong. Professor Heckman says returns can be seen in as little as three years. And the improved results persist through adulthood.
Fanny Lou Hamer famously said, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” How bad does it have to get before we get sick and tired of being last? Must we sacrifice yet another generation on the altar of political ideology? There are a number of things that can and should be done to put our state on a path to prosperity for all Mississippians, few of which are even being discussed in Jackson. A great place to start reversing the negative trend in our state is where there will be the greatest return on investment…by investing in our young children.
History will answer the question, “Who knew what when?” It cannot be said we didn’t know.
by Dr. Melody Musgrove