If we don't empower families to be able to have a quality education, then their children - for the first time in American history, truly the first time - will not have the same economic opportunities.

Economic prosperity and quality education for our children are inexorably linked.

It was the first time in American history a war had been declared over by an anchorman.

In essence, the education department argues that the quality of the education children receive is irrelevant, as long as someone stands in front of the class.

Investing in high-quality early childhood education has extraordinary returns, not only for Virginia's children, but also for our workforce and economy. The best investments are made in community-grown programs that truly meet local needs.

Over-reliance on strictly economic justifications has already begun to hurt the quality and range of education at every level of American life.