(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:
(a) Of all of the services provided by state and local governments, public education, beginning with preschool, exercises the most widespread, direct influence on the citizens of the state, ensuring them a wider range of opportunities and a greater likelihood of economic success;
(b) In providing a well-educated citizenry, a well-funded, effective preschool and public education system also increases the likelihood that the state will enjoy a strong economy that attracts investment by businesses and industries that further improve the standard of living for the people of the state; and
(c) During periods of budgetary reductions, it is crucial that the state maintains funding for preschool to the greatest extent possible.
(2) In order to assist in funding preschool, the general assembly recognizes that many citizens of Colorado may be willing to provide moneys to aid the preschool and public education system in its efforts. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly to provide Coloradans with the opportunity to support preschool and public education by allowing citizens to make a voluntary contribution on their state income tax return form to the public education fund for such a purpose.