Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 4, banning diversity, equity and inclusion in Kentucky public universities and colleges. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)
PRESS RELEASE
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, along with other officials, educators and parents, launch the “Pre-K for All” initiative, which aims to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth.
“We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child to ensure that they are prepared for Kindergarten and that they don’t feel behind from day one,” First Lady Britainy Beshear said. “When our kids start school feeling excited and ready to learn, they have the confidence to speak up in class, challenge themselves, ask questions and connect with their peers. That strong beginning has a long-term impact, and it will help them succeed and build the life they dream of.”
The governor noted that according to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky’s children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten.
“Before they even step through the door, they are behind. This creates an achievement gap that is nearly impossible to close,” Beshear said. “To increase kindergarten-readiness, we need to offer pre-K for every 4-year-old across the state of Kentucky.”
The Governor said that in addition to increasing educational opportunities for the state’s youngest learners, Pre-K for All will also help put money back in the pockets of parents and caregivers and grow the commonwealth’s workforce.
“American families are struggling to pay the bills, and one of the key drivers is a lack of child care,” Gov. Beshear said. “Pre-K for All can ease the financial burden facing our hard-working families and make paying the bills a little easier.”
The Governor noted that according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties don’t have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it. Barren County is a category 2 childcare desert, meaning there are roughly 3 children for every available childcare slot, according to the cabinet. The Center for American Progress also categorized Barren County as a childcare desert.
“Kentucky will never reach its potential if our children’s zip code determines their place in the world by the first day of kindergarten,” Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said. “The time for pre-K is now.”
A long-term study from Yale found that providing pre-K increased the earnings of parents and caregivers by nearly $9,000 annually, a trend that held for at least six years. This amounts to $54,000 for Kentucky families as their kids grow.
“The research is clear – when investments are made in early learning, the impact on a child’s educational trajectory can bring about transformative outcomes for themselves and future generations. This investment can pay dividends in supporting the state’s economic growth, vitality and well-being so that children, families and Kentucky communities thrive,” said Felicia Cumings-Smith, chair of the Prichard Committee on Academic Excellence.
According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, over time, Pre-K for All is projected to grow Kentucky’s workforce by up to 70,000 people. In addition, a study from Yale shows that every $1 invested in pre-K generates $10 that cycles through the state economy.
Beshear stressed that Pre-K for All is a nonpartisan issue, noting that 18 states – including Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia and West Virginia – offer pre-K access for all 4-year-olds.
“They have gotten it done, and so can we,” Beshear said.
As part of the initiative, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Pre-K for All Advisory Committee, comprising 28 leaders from across the commonwealth with Sam Flynn as its executive director. The Pre-K for All website states there will be several upcoming town halls, the closest of which will take place in Bowling Green on Wednesday, July 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Glasgow News 1 Journalist Michael Crimmins contributed to this reporting.
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