Closing the achievement gap

“In 2005, I created the Early Childhood Education Cabinet, to assure support for high-quality preschool for all 3-and 4-year-olds. This is critical if we are to make progress in closing the achievement gap. Over the biennium, I am proposing that more than $40 million be invested to finance one-third of the unmet preschool needs of these children—children living in the poorest communities in our state. I am also proposing $4 million for 4,000 slots.”