By Andrew Pillow
In 2014, Indiana had an opportunity to expand the preschool program with a federal development grant. Pence’s administration decided, almost unilaterally and without warning, to pass on the chance to apply.
But now Pence is pledging to expand the Pre-K pilot program if he is re-elected. In a letter obtained by Chalkbeat, Pence touts the success of the Pre-K program and asks to be notified when the Preschool Development Grant application is available. Pence has also said he will include funds for the program in his 2017 budget.
Because polls show Pence in a close race against Democrat John Gregg, some Democrats have questioned the timing of his announcements. Many have said that although they support expanding Pre-K, it should have been done sooner.
The Pre-K program is still in pilot mode. Many children are still unable to attend Pre-K, and private funding has been unable to cover the gap.
Read more coverage here. (via Chalkbeat)
See comments from the opposition party here. (via WTHR)