Indiana House approves expansion of state pre-kindergarten program

For example, a child from a family of four with an income of up to $67,433 a year could enroll if the proposal becomes law.

The existing annual earnings eligibility cap for a family of four is $30,861.

The measure also authorizes the expansion of On My Way Pre-K to five additional counties selected by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.

However, children likely would not begin attending preschool classes at high-quality providers in the expansion counties until at least January 2018, and then, only if funding for the expansion is included in House Bill 1001 — the two-year state budget.

The preschool expansion legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, attracted a large number of "no" votes because it also makes any child who attends On My Way Pre-K permanently eligible for the state's private-school voucher program.

State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, echoed a number of representatives when he said he couldn't believe he was voting against a preschool program, but felt he had to because he opposes private schools siphoning state funds away from public education.

"It is like taking money for hungry children and spending a good portion of it to fund private birthday parties. It just doesn’t make sense, and it is not right," Smith said.

The proposal now advances to the Republican-controlled Senate.