Indiana Senate committee dials back Pre-K fund proposal to just $3 million more than now

Holcomb, also a Republican, is pushing to double On My Way Pre-K funding to $20 million a year. But the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, led by powerful chairman Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, cut the amount to $13 million, just $3 million above current funding.

The measure also includes an additional $3 million for other pre-K ventures. About $1 million would go toward a new pilot program for parents to teach their children at home using software, and another $2 million would continue the Early Education Matching Grant funding that was set to expire.

Earlier this week, the GOP-dominated Senate also voted to defeat a Senate bill to make the superintendent of public instruction an appointed position rather than an elected one. That legislation was one of Holcomb's priorities. The House passed similar legislation the same day, but its fate is unclear.

Holcomb championed both the state superintendent change and the doubling of pre-K funds in his State of the State address.

Stephanie Wilson, a spokeswoman for Holcomb, called Holcomb's funding proposal a "key component of the governor’s legislative agenda."

"We’re pleased to see both chambers are engaging on the issue this session," Wilson said in a statement. "As we approach the halfway mark of this legislative session, the governor looks forward to working closely with lawmakers in the Senate to advance a responsible expansion of the state’s pre-K program that benefits more children from low-income families. "

The biennial budget the House passed Thursday dedicated $20 million to the pilot program. While the budget can still be amended in the Senate, House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the budget is where the final discussion on pre-K funding will happen, not in a Senate bill.

"We preferred doubling the current fund to $20 million per year, so that's where the discussion will start when the budget comes over, and Sen. Kenley and others will work their magic on that, and we'll continue to have that discussion," Bosma said. "I'm an advocate (for more pre-K funds), actually advocated for more than $20 million."

The current pilot program, passed under former Gov. Mike Pence, is serving around 2,400 low-income students in five counties this school year.

Advocates say even Holcomb's proposed $10 million boost wouldn't be enough to expand the program. Ann Murtlow, the CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, and other advocates are recommending the state dedicate $50 million each year.

In a statement, Murtlow said she was "pleased" that the committee pushed forward legislation regarding pre-K funding.

"This is one of a series of strong votes that reiterates the legislature’s agreement with our coalition that we need to grow this program," Murtlow said.

She added that United Way of Central Indiana is committed to their initially proposed dollar amount.

But Kenley said Indiana is not lagging behind in providing pre-K funding and support because the state provides more programs than just On My Way Pre-K. He also said it's "inaccurate" to look at the updated Senate bill as only a $3 million increase.

"We spend $427 million per year on all kinds of services to children under the age of 5," Kenley said. "There are 37 school corporations that have pre-K programs of their own using Title I moneys. We're serving almost 20,000 people."

He also said that the state shouldn't provide money to programs they don't know for sure works. However, earlier in the legislative session, Murtlow maintained that the pilot program has been successful thus far, and lawmakers shouldn't wait longer to increase funding.

"Kids are only four once," Murtlow said. "Once they turn five, the opportunity is lost."