Pre-K Bill Heading to Holcomb

Five counties were part of the pilot launch that started in January 2015.

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A bill expanding Indiana’s pre-kindergarten pilot program to 20 counties is on its way to Governor Eric Holcomb’s desk. The measure includes $22 million per year to fund the program, which is around double what it receives now.

The pilot program currently covers five counties and receives $10 million per year. On My Way Pre-K currently serves nearly 2,300 low-income students in Allen, Lake, Marion, Jackson and Vanderburgh counties.

Supporters of the expansion argue it will ensure fewer students fall behind early in their academic careers and is a crucial early step for a quality work force. House Education Committee Ranking Democrat Vernon Smith (D-14) has called the measure "a Trojan Horse" that includes an expansion of vouchers.

The Indiana House passed the measure by a vote of 81-16. It passed the Indiana Senate by a vote of 31-19.