“I am very pleased that HB 1004 passed out of the House,” said Rep. Behning. “This legislation will help pave a bright future for Hoosier children of poverty and allow parents the opportunity to provide their children with a quality education. Right now children of poverty start almost a year and a half behind their middle-income peers, and HB 1004 aims to change that.” HB 1004 creates a preschool pilot program. Eligible students must be 4 years old with a family income of no more than 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Indiana is currently one of 10 states that does not offer state-funded preschool programs. “It is encouraging to see HB 1004 moving through the General Assembly with bipartisan support,” said Speaker Bosma. “A preschool program of this nature will provide high quality education opportunities to Hoosier children and their families which will help prepare them for future success.” HB 1004 will now be heard in the Senate. To track this bill’s progress, visit http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2014/bills/house/1004/. -30-
NOTE TO THE EDITOR: Please include this photo of Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) discussing
HB 1004 on third reading.
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