Republican governors all around our country are slashing education to cover the cost of tax breaks for the rich. But, Governor Mark Dayton of Minnesota wants to invest a portion of his state's budget surplus in universal pre-K.

Rather than dishing out tax breaks, the Democratic governor actually raised taxes on the top two percent in his state, and it's turned in to quite a success. Republicans in Minnesota balked at the tax hike idea, saying that businesses would leave that state, but that hasn't happened. In fact, higher wages, stronger unions, and better education systems have lured business to that state, and that's paying off in terms of more investment in the people of Minnesota.

Universal Pre-K would ensure that every child starts school with stronger skills, and allow parents to work more hours instead of caring for kids. Families get the help they need to be stronger, and Minnesota gets a better educated workforce.

This is what happens when progressive ideas are allowed to become real policy. Governor Dayton has proven that these ideas work for the state of Minnesota, so let's keep fighting to implement these policies nation-wide.