Pew: Vote ‘yes’ on 7A

There is no magic bullet to solve the problems of affordability in our valley, but this fall, voters have a chance to make life a little easier for working families from Aspen to Parachute: Vote “yes” on 7A.

In our region, the average full-day cost of care for one child is $1,400 per month – nearly $17,000 per year – making child care one of the biggest expenses in a family’s budget. 7A will create a new early childhood service district, allowing us to come together regionally to make child care less expensive and easier to find.  

The benefits of quality child care and preschool are well-documented. Research shows that 90% of brain development happens before age 5. Kids with access to good programs arrive in kindergarten ready to learn, read earlier, and graduate high school at higher rates. My business background helped me understand that the ROI — Return on Investment — for pre-school and early childcare makes it a worthwhile investment.

Passing a modest sales tax, just 25 cents on 100 dollar purchase, will raise an estimated 12 million dollars per year to lower the cost of childcare for families, increase teacher salaries, and more. It would not apply to essential items such as groceries, gas, and medicine.

I have been proud to work as part of the coalition of parents, teachers, and civic volunteers that developed this proposal over the last few years. County Commissioners from Pitkin, Garfield, and Eagle Counties all supported putting this measure on the ballot. And 7A has earned endorsements from many trusted community organizations and leaders. Now it is your turn, as a local voter, to step up in support of kids and families.

I urge you to join me in voting “yes” on 7A.

Rob Pew

Woody Creek