Universal Pre-K has remained a topic of discussion in Kentucky, and with new bills filed in both the House and Senate, the issue has returned to the spotlight as the Kentucky General Assembly works through the budget process.
Local legislators are well aware of the governor’s support for universal pre-kindergarten across the state. While they say the idea would be beneficial in a perfect world, they do not fully agree with the proposal. Representative Myron Dossett said he believes the measure could hurt daycares in the long run, potentially creating even more childcare deserts at a time when the state needs more daycare options, not fewer.
Instead, Dossett said he would prefer to support educational programs for four-year-olds within their existing daycare settings. He suggested those facilities could partner with local school systems to better prepare children for kindergarten.
Senator Craig Richardson said universal Pre-K would be possible only if lawmakers funded that initiative and nothing else in the budget. He called the proposal an unrealistic political talking point from the governor and said he expects it will ultimately go unfunded.
Because of the projected cost, Representative Walker Thomas said he does not believe universal Pre-K will be included in the final budget. He expects lawmakers to explore other approaches to help children prepare for kindergarten.
House Bill 574, sponsored by Representative Anne Gay Donworth, is one of the proposals aimed at expanding preschool access. She has proposed using revenue from sports betting to fund universal Pre-K.
However, Thomas noted that some of that revenue is already expected to address unfunded pension liabilities.
As budget discussions continue in Frankfort, lawmakers are expected to keep debating universal Pre-K while they work to finalize a spending plan before April 15.
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