Louisville, Ky. (AP) – Democrat Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear intensified his efforts on Wednesday by committing to provide preschool access for every four-year-old in the state. This initiative is aimed at delivering significant benefits, enhancing student performance while also reinforcing employment and family budgets.
In recent years, as he advocated for the universal Pre-K program, Beshear faced challenges from the state’s GOP-supermajority council. He spearheaded a well-publicized campaign to garner grassroots support, just seven months ahead of the legislative session set to begin in January 2026, which will focus on passing the state’s next two-year budget.
Beshear, a two-term governor and a potential presidential candidate in 2028, expressed the need for a strong start to ensure that every child is ready for kindergarten. He pointed to troubling statistics indicating that more than half of Kentucky’s children are unprepared on their first day of kindergarten, creating a substantial achievement gap.
“The Bible teaches that children are gifts from God,” Beshear remarked during a campaign-style stop in Louisville. “We believe it’s our duty as adults to build a state that is conducive to their growth. We all know that Pre-K for everyone can make this happen. Let’s finally make it a reality.”
According to the governor, nearly two-thirds of Kentucky’s 120 counties lack adequate childcare to meet the needs of all families, resulting in lower workforce participation rates in areas with limited childcare options.
“If a child’s zip code determines their future status by their first day of kindergarten, Kentucky will never reach its potential,” stated Lt. Col. Jacqueline Coleman, a former public school teacher and administrator. “The time for Pre-K is now.”
Beshear emphasized the broad benefits of his Pre-K proposal, highlighting its potential to boost the state’s workforce by enabling more parents to return to work. He also noted the financial relief it will provide to parents with young children.
“American families are currently struggling to meet their financial obligations, with childcare being a major component of that stress,” Beshear said. “This initiative will alleviate the financial burdens faced by hardworking families, making it easier for them to pay their bills.”
On Wednesday, Beshear did not discuss the estimated cost of state-funded kindergarten but referenced a survey indicating that every dollar invested in Pre-K generates $10 in returns for the state’s economy.
Beshear has included $172 million per year in his Budget Planning for the next two-year cycle to support four-year-old kindergarten. He claimed that the cost is “more than manageable,” representing a small portion of the state’s budget surplus. However, this proposal has not gained traction with GOP lawmakers.
Later on Wednesday, Republican Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne stated that there had been no discussions with the administration regarding Beshear or any legislative initiatives.
“If he is genuinely interested in advancing legislative priorities, he should engage with lawmakers,” the speaker remarked.
Republican state Sen. Stephen West noted that Kentucky legislators have increased funding for kindergarten and early literacy initiatives in recent years, aimed at “helping students succeed from the start.” West, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, stated that many specifics about the governor’s early childhood education proposal remain uncertain.
“We look forward to ongoing discussions about how best to expand access while guaranteeing that future proposals are effective, sustainable, and accountable to families, schools, and Kentucky taxpayers,” he added.
Beshear asserted that ensuring preschool access should transcend partisan lines. He mentioned that about 18 states, even those led by Republican governors, provide Pre-K access to all four-year-olds.
Beshear and other key members of his administration have organized events in Kentucky’s largest media market over the coming days to promote the preschool initiative.
In a further sign of his commitment to advocating for the Pre-K proposal, Beshear has established an advisory committee to hold a statewide public meeting on the matter. Composed of individuals from education, workforce development, and business sectors, the committee will submit a report to the governor this fall detailing its findings and recommendations.
Source: apnews.com