Pre-K Now
Highlights from "Leadership Matters"

This year's edition of "Leadership Matters" illustrates that, despite widespread fiscal challenges, a fleet of brave and bold governors are proposing increases in state pre-kindergarten funding. Sixteen governors and the mayor of the District of Columbia have wisely requested additional pre-k funding totaling $261 million. These new dollars would open pre-k doors for 60,000 more of their youngest constituents.

Unfortunately, all of our findings are not so encouraging. For the first time in four years, the number of governors recommending increases in pre-k funding declined. "Leadership Matters: Governors' Pre-K Proposals Fiscal Year 2009" draws attention to the four governors who proposed a total of $36 million in cuts to pre-k funding and five others whose budgets would flat fund programs, putting them at risk of serving fewer children this year because of inflation.

Budget Heroes

With tighter budget constraints and in many cases deficits, gubernatorial support for pre-k programs is being put to the test in FY09. We applaud true leaders who found ways to increase their budgets for pre-k amid deficits.

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R)
Gov. Deval Patrick (D) Massachusetts
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D)
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R)

Steady Commitments to Pre-K

While some governors have just jumped on the pre-k school bus, we recognize these governors for their clear vision and proven, long-term commitment to the journey toward pre-k for all.

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D)
 Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr. (D)
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D)

When Governors Fail to Lead

When confronted with difficult budget choices, true leaders set priorities. For FY09, one governor failed this test of leadership, proposing across-the-board cuts that will place an extra burden on legislators, agency administrators, service providers, and the public.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)

All Talk, No Action

Each year, certain governors recognize the political value of high quality pre-k in their State of the State address. While these governors talked the good talk, their proposed budgets show that they did not walk it.
Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt (R)
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R)

Bucking the Trends

In spite FY09's fiscal challenges, nationwide, pre-k funding is growing at a remarkable rate. Why, then, are two state executives enjoying budget surpluses not investing state funds in pre-k?
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D)
Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D)

The Bottom Line
FY09 is a crucible, testing the mettle of the nation's governors and offering voters the chance to evaluate the commitment and constitution of their elected leaders. In some states, that leadership was lacking. Fortunately, for hundersds of thousands of other children around the country, their governors are at the head of the class. Their pre-k proposals make the grade and offer more children the foundation needed to succeed in school and in life.

Related Materials

 
Resource Center
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Families
Meeting the Challenge of Rural Pre-K
Families everywhere struggle to find high-quality pre-k programs for their children, but the problem is even more acute in rural areas. Pre-K Now has come out with recommendations for federal policymakers to help states meet the unique challenges of rural pre-k.
download the white paper (PDF)
see our other federal policy work
How Do States
Pay for Pre-K?
To help policymakers and advocates answer that question, Pre-K Now offers "Funding the Future," a report examining the range of pre-k funding options.
learn about the answers
Good parenting is enhanced by a high-quality pre-k program.