Mayor Slay calls quality, accessible early childhood programs his top wish for the region

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay named "quality, accessible early childhood programs" his top wish for the St. Louis region during an interview on KWMU-FM "St. Louis on the Air." Such programs help the region develop good talent, create good jobs, reduce crime and improve the health of our citizens, he said. He also noted, "By investing in our youth, particularly the very youngest, the return on investment is tremendous. Every dollar you spend on a child comes back eight- to ten-fold as they move through life. You have more people who are gainfully employed, you have more people ready for the workforce, you have a city and a region that's more attractive to families, it helps bring in jobs and businesses, and it improves the quality of life."

Listen to the KWMU program. (Mayor Slay's interview is second on the show following an interview with Archbishop Robert Carlson.)