Quality pre-kindergarten makes a crucial difference in a child’s life. Without it, a student begins kindergarten lacking important skills, often falling behind peers,
and rarely, if ever, catching up.

Over the last two years, approximately 2,800 four-year- olds with family incomes at or below the federal poverty line have benefitted from a $15 million federal grant,
matched by $8.6 million from the state, to support expanded pre-K classes.

With the passage of my legislation mandating that we continue to match the federal money, an additional 1,000 children will benefit from quality pre-K programs.
My goal for next year is to make pre-K available for all 4-year olds.