Holcomb Signs Pre-K Expansion Bill
Five counties were part of the pilot launch that started in January 2015.
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGovernor Eric Holcomb has signed into law the bill expanding Indiana’s pre-kindergarten pilot program. House Enrolled Act 1004 takes the On My Way Pre-K program from five to 20 counties and increases funding for the program by $10 million annually.
The program currently serves nearly 2,300 students in five counties. Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-78) says with the additional counties, the number of students taking advantage of the program could potentially quadruple.
Precisely which counties will be added to the program will be determined by the Family and Social Services Administration, which must give preference to rural counties, according to the legislation. The FSSA will also have the ability to raise the income eligibility requirement in the original five counties if programs reach capacity.
"My goal this session was to double the number of low-income students who have access to quality prekindergarten programs," said "t’s a joy to sign this bill that gives more students a great start to their educational journeys."
Our partners at WIBC in Indianapolis report the bill also provides money for an online preschool program.