Investing in Futures: Redirecting Campaign Billions to Education

By Monica Granlove

The United States allocated a staggering $14 billion¹ for the 2020 campaign. Just envision the transformative impact if even a modest ten percent of that substantial sum were redirected toward education.

Consider the profound benefits that could be realized for all Americans if a portion of the funds currently earmarked for campaigns were invested in our education system. While the United States stands out globally for its higher education institutions, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, the same cannot be said for primary and secondary public schools. Regrettably, disparities persist, often mirroring socioeconomic lines, with lower-class and underserved areas exhibiting lower test score averages. This puts the United States behind other countries in terms of quality education.

Schools are not merely centers for learning; they serve as crucial hubs for healthcare, social services, and nutritional support. In October 2023 the World Bank² in October 2023 underscores the significance of education as a fundamental human right and a potent force for development. It is a linchpin for poverty reduction, improved health, gender equality, and overall societal well-being. The returns on investment in education are vast, contributing to income growth, equity, and inclusion.

Individually, education empowers people by enhancing employment prospects, increasing earnings, fostering good health, and reducing poverty. Globally, the correlation is evident, with a 9% increase in hourly earnings for each additional year of schooling. Societies benefit as well, as education propels long-term economic growth, stimulates innovation, fortifies institutions, and nurtures social cohesion.

As we ponder the exorbitant amounts spent on political campaigns, it is essential to recognize the sway of media in shaping voter perceptions. The way campaigns are covered in the media significantly influences how voters perceive candidates and the electoral process. For more information, please read the article, ‘Your Vote Counts: Learn from History.’