State legislators are deliberating a proposed $75 million budget initiative that law enforcement officials claim will simultaneously prevent crime, help disadvantaged children and save taxpayers money.

To support the budget proposal, Pittsburgh Assistant Police Chief Paul Donaldson, Allegheny County Acting Sheriff William Mullen and Allegheny County Deputy District Attorney Laura Ditka released a report yesterday detailing the relationship between quality early education and decreased likelihood of delinquency later in life. The report found that at-risk children without quality pre-kindergarten were 70 percent more likely to commit violent crimes.

"Quality pre-kindergarten programs are our most effective weapons in fighting crime," said Assistant Chief Donaldson.

But though the $75 million was already included in a tentative budget approved by the House, Republicans are still skeptical.

"It's great to say that we need quality pre-K," said Steve Miskin, a spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith, R-Punxsutawney. "But to get that you need the space, the teachers, and the equipment, and all of that has some price tag on it."

Still, according to Bruce Clash, state director of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, approval of the budget is vital, as a child's early environment provides the emotional and intellectual foundation for his or her future.

"Whether a child develops in nurturing care or abuse and violence makes a difference," he said.

According to the report, at least 2,000 low-income preschool age children in Pittsburgh have no access to quality pre-kindergartens.

"This crime-prevention gap needlessly endangers the community," Mr. Clash said.

The study also claims that the budget increase would actually be an investment, as taxpayers would save $17 for every $1 invested in preschool.

"It is imperative that we pay now so that we do not have to give them room and board in penitentiaries in 20 years," Sheriff Mullen said.