SAINT PAUL, MN – Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL-St. Paul), supports Governor Dayton’s proposal to provide permanent funding for voluntary pre-kindergarten for Minnesota’s 4-year-olds. At a State Capitol news conference on Tuesday, the governor emphasized that without permanent funding, 59 school districts statewide would lose state funding. Rep. Hausman issued this statement:
“Unfortunately, the 2017 legislature only approved one-time funding for pre-K in some communities and without additional support, families will not be able to give their children this important jump-start. Because the legislature only provided one time funding, this benefit could end for hundreds of children across the state. I fully support Governor Dayton’s proposal to make funding permanent for voluntary pre-K, which studies show makes a significant positive difference in the lives of children.
“The current short-sighted, temporary funding could impact 20 Roseville School District students and 227 in the St. Paul district. The legislature must approve funding this year, so there is no interruption in giving our 4-year-olds the best start possible in school.”
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