Holly Higgins
Office 202.862.9863
Mobile 202.834.6846
hhiggins@preknow.org
(Washington, D.C.) – A national report released today by Pre-K Now criticizes Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for not being among 17 executives who, despite major fiscal and political challenges, proposed to increased investments in pre-kindergarten by a total of $261 million this year. "Leadership Matters: Governors' Pre-K Proposals Fiscal Year 2009" points to the governor's decision to propose pre-k funding cuts of $28.5 million for FY09, ignoring recent research and recommendations by his own appointed education task force that underscore the importance of pre-k.
The state-by-state analysis reveals that while many governors are facing significant budget deficits, some remained committed to early education as a sound investment with proven benefits to both children and society. Collectively, the 17 executives' proposals would amount to a 5.5% funding increase over last year and would make pre-k available to nearly 60,000 more three and four year olds across the country.
"This was supposed to be the ‘Year of Education' according to the governor; unfortunately, for California's youngest learners and their families that is far from the truth," said Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now. "Many state budgets are tight this year, but the strongest leaders didn't propose funding cuts to pre-k, a program proven to help children thrive and states prosper."
The mixed report confirms that fiscal challenges are threatening historic pre-k momentum nationally.
"Leadership Matters" notes that the governor's pre-k cuts could prevent nearly 8,000 children from entering school with the social and academic building blocks proven necessary for success. The report also chides Gov. Schwarzenegger for failing to endorse much-needed reforms that—with little or no cost—would ensure that state pre-k funds are effectively and efficiently spent.
Additional report findings include:
- Commitment to pre-k is neither "red" nor "blue": both Republican and Democratic governors proposed pre-k funding increases.
- Governors of three additional states—Idaho, South Carolina, and Rhode Island—proposed cuts to pre-k funding.
- Two governors of states with enviable budget surpluses—Montana and Wyoming—failed to invest in pre-k.
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Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality voluntary pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds. The following funders contribute to making this important work possible: The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the McCormick Tribune Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development, RGK Foundation, CityBridge Foundation, PNC Financial Services Group, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.
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