Editor, Times-Union: I just read the AP article in Saturday’s Times-Union (Oct. 25) concerning Governor Pence’s decision not to apply for a federal grant ($80 million over four years) to send 5,700 more Indiana children to preschool programs. I want to thank the governor for refusing to take money from the U.S. taxpayers that we don’t have now. We are trillions and trillions of dollars in debt. People and groups just think money from the federal government grows on trees and all one has to do is apply for a program because it is wanted! It’s just borrowed and printed. Yes, many programs sound great but are they truly necessary? Is it truly a need? Taxpayer-funded preschool is not a need. Parent involvement at home during toddler/preschool years is a must and not a taxpayer responsibility. If both parents work or a single parent works, then arrangements can and must be made but not at taxpayer expense. This has occurred for scores of years. Unfortunately, the solution by many politicians, government bureaucrats and constituents is to throw money at wants, thereby establishing more government control over its citizens and creating a larger bureaucratic machine. Parents can and should demand more of school systems (K-12) to ensure the quality education of their children. That is a need. Too many parents, fortunately not all, have become careless and irresponsible raising their children and want the state and federal governments, i.e. taxpayers, to foot the bill. It is time to stop the gravy train. I applaud Governor Pence and hope he continues sound fiscal responsibility. Robert A. Ragland Leesburg, via email
