Mark Lackey

Our foundation is crumbling because we as a state have neglected it. It is too late for Meadow Lakes, but it isn’t too late for Alaskans to get our priorities back in order.

OPINION: Alaska has missed an opportunity to apply for $10 million under the federal Preschool Development Grants program. Unfortunately, that's not its only failure to reclaim federal tax dollars for increasing early childhood opportunities.

Today, at least one in six Americans is living in poverty, including more than 25 percent of children under age 6. Right here in Alaska, nearly 18 percent of children under age 6 -- more than 11,000 children -- are living below the poverty line.