The topic of Gov. Mike Pence’s effectiveness as the state’s top governmental leader during this year’s General Assembly will be hashed and rehashed after the session closes down in the next couple of weeks.
At best, the first-term governor will get mixed marks.
But while he hasn’t set the world on fire or inspired great action under the Statehouse dome in 2014, there are elements of his agenda that deserve praise and support, even though they have received precious little.
In particular, Pence’s efforts to create a pre-kindergarten education program for needy kids is an idea worth pursuing. His proposal, however, requires money, and the state Senate has been reluctant to take on new spending in a non-budget year. Instead, the Senate passed a measure creating a summer committee to study the matter. Undaunted, Pence is now backing a House plan to move forward with a pilot preschool program, and he hopes to get that plan merged with the Senate’s study committee legislation.
“I believe a pilot program, like that passed by the House of Representatives, is an idea whose time has come and I am renewing my call … for the Indiana General Assembly to combine the study with a pilot program,” Pence said. “Let’s get started opening the doors to quality pre-K to our most disadvantaged children here in Indiana.”
There is wide agreement among educators that kids need to be better prepared for kindergarten. Those who are tend be more successful students as they get older. But implementing a preschool program is a complex process that requires resources. Other states have done it. Indiana cannot afford to get too far behind.
It is often said that approval of any substantial program worth having will take multiple sessions of the General Assembly. That could mean full vetting of a preschool program could occur next year when a biennial budget is again on the table.
Still, it’s not too soon to begin promoting the movement. We commend Pence for his persistence, even though chances are growing slim for any meaningful action. He is on the right track, and we join him in the fight to bring more formal preschool education opportunities to Hoosier children.
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