Reports says high school dropouts cost states millions

WASHINGTON - Stay in school. Those ABCs and 123s could save states and taxpayers millions.

The Alliance for Excellent Education last week released its 2008 state reports, which included dollar amounts states could save by increasing their graduation rates.

"There is a direct dollar and cents reason to improve education, especially in middle and high school. If you don't, these are the costs taxpayers will be paying," said Bob Wise, president of the alliance and former governor of West Virginia.