Governors are still spending billions of dollars on pre-kindergarten in this recession – together pushing for a four percent increase next year – though some big states such as New York and North Carolina are cutting back, Pre-K Now reports today.
In its annual review of the pre-k funding landscape, the advocacy group found that four times as many governors want to boost or preserve their states’ commitments as want to cut those budgets.
“For FY10, 14 governors are proposing increases totaling nearly $150 million, including three introducing new programs in states that currently offer no state-funded pre-k,” “Leadership Matters: Governors’ Pre-K Budget Proposals Fiscal Year 2010.”
If this was a pass-fail test, Washington would receive a passing grade for holding funding flat.
“This year, however, with inflation rates low and state revenues in negative territory, flat funding can be viewed as a proactive effort to protect critical programs while addressing serious shortfalls,” “Leadership Matters.”
Washington State Head Start & ECEAP Association headJoel Ryan gives Gov. Christine Gregoire an A, partly because she recently backed a major expansion of the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, and essentially preserved that initiative this year in a tough budget climate.
Even in this dismal economy, the 28-page report has plenty of good news.
“Among the biggest surprises of 2009 is the unprecedented level of new activity in three of the dozen states that still provide no state-funded pre-k programs. Recognizing the importance of investments in quality early education, the governors of Alaska, North Dakota and Rhode Island have all proposed new initiatives.”
This new funding recognizes the stark economic reality facing working families. States may be struggling to pay the bills, but parents are having a hard time paying for child care, the report says.
President Barack Obama helped parents and governors by sending them billions of dollars for early learning as part of the economic stimulus package. While hailing that investment, Pre-K Now says Obama needs to do more, such as create effective models and accountability standards.
“Further, existing policies must be revised and new ones implemented to better facilitate collaboration among federal offices and between federal and state agencies. Funding streams must be made flexible and readily accessible so that high-quality programs can blend various sources to ensure quality, avoid waste and maximize taxpayer dollars.”
Check out the full report and 11 separate state summaries: Alaska; Arizona; California; Georgia; New Jersey; New York; North Dakota; Ohio; Oregon; Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.