National researchers tell Multnomah County commissioners universal preschool yields economic returns for families, employers and taxpayers

A panel of national and regional experts told Multnomah County commissioners on Monday that investing in high-quality, universal preschool produces measurable economic benefits for families, employers and taxpayers, and can narrow long-term disparities in education and earnings.

Taryn Morrissey, an early childhood policy researcher at American University, summarized evidence that extended-day, high-enrollment preschool programs boost parental labor force participation, increase parents’ earnings and can generate short‑term fiscal gains through higher tax revenue. “Access to affordable, high quality, reliable early care and education can support parents’ employment, increase economic growth, and promote children’s development to narrow socioeconomic inequalities,” Morrissey said.

Clive Belfield, an economist who studies the return on investment for education programs, presented a county-specific cost–benefit model. Belfield said a conservative analysis using Multnomah County’s Preschool for All assumptions…