Pre-K Bill Moves to Senate
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA bill that would create a state-funded preschool pilot program has advanced through the Indiana House. The proposal now moves to the Senate and if signed into law, it would take effect in 2015. You can view more about the bill by clicking here.
January 16, 2014
News Release
STATEHOUSE – House Bill (HB) 1004, authored by House Education Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), passed out of the House today with a 87-9 vote. HB 1004 provides the opportunity for a high quality preschool option to more low-income families.
“I am very pleased that HB 1004 passed out of the House,” said Rep. Behning. “This legislation will help pave a bright future for Hoosier children of poverty and allow parents the opportunity to provide their children with a quality education. Right now children of poverty start almost a year and a half behind their middle-income peers, and HB 1004 aims to change that.”
HB 1004 creates a preschool pilot program. Eligible students must be 4 years old with a family income of no more than 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Indiana is currently one of 10 states that does not offer state-funded preschool programs.
“It is encouraging to see HB 1004 moving through the General Assembly with bipartisan support,” said Speaker Bosma. “A preschool program of this nature will provide high quality education opportunities to Hoosier children and their families which will help prepare them for future success.”
Source: The Indiana House Republican Caucus