“Last year we took a small step towards investing in high quality preschool programs. There is no doubt that early education provides the foundation of a child’s education. A solid educational foundation provides a child with limitless career opportunities in the future,” said Speaker Bosma. HB 1004 contains the eligibility requirements for a preschool voucher program including voucher amounts, preschool facilities and income. Eligible students must be 4 years old with a family income of no more than 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. “HB 1004 is important because statistics validate that children of poverty start almost a year and a half behind their middle-income peers,” said Rep. Behning. “This bill will help provide Hoosier children of poverty the opportunity to start their education off early and on the right foot. We want to provide parents with options to give their children the best education and the best future possible.” Indiana is currently one of 10 states that does not offer state-funded preschool programs. To track this bill’s progress, visit http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2014/bills/house/1004/. -30-
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