¹ú²úÊÓƵ

A from Pre-K Now gauges state legislative support for quality pre-k during the 2008 state legislative sessions. This report is one of two the organization does annually; is an annual barometer of governors’ leadership on pre-k through state funding requests.

Generally, the news is looking good: Despite the economic downturn, state legislatures in twenty-three states and the District of Columbia Council increased pre-k funding for fiscal year 2009. Nine more states that don’t appropriate money directly for pre-k but fund pre-k through school funding formulas also project an increase. At the same time, eight states maintained pre-k funding at fiscal year 2008 levels, two decreased funding for pre-k, and twelve states don’t invest in public pre-k at all. Overall, however, net state investments in pre-k for 2009 will increase by $309 million–or roughly 6 percent–to $5.2 billion.

In their characteristic awards ceremony approach (who needs the Emmys, anyway?) Pre-K Now highlighted the efforts of the Louisiana legislature, which k despite concerns about program costs. The District of Columbia Council gets recognition as well, for for its universal pre-k program while keeping a watchful eye on program quality.

Several other states –including the stragglers — offer lessons as well:

Formula for Success – In the current economic environment, advocates and legislators need to work to protect pre-kindergarteners from funding cuts. This report underscores the wisdom of insulating pre-k programs from cuts by making pre-k funding part of the state school funding formula for public education. By linking pre-k funding with K-12 school funding, legislators can avoid creating competition between K-12 and pre-k programs for funds, and prevent pre-k from being put on the chopping block every year, as is often the case in states that fund pre-k out of a separate pot of money. Of the elite club of states striving toward universal pre-k, and West Virginia, which fund pre-k through state school funding formulas, are expecting solid increases in pre-k spending for fiscal year 2009, while Florida, , and New York, which fund pre-k out of a separate appropriation, will see only nominal gains.

Pre-K is Purple Policy – The most successful state legislatures advanced pre-k with bipartisan support. In Virginia, both Democrats and Republicans came together to approve funding for expanded pre-k in the face of a billion-dollar budget shortfall. In Kansas, Louisiana, and elsewhere, state legislators have realized that the benefits of pre-k outweigh the gains of partisanship.

The Other Legislature – While state appropriations for pre-k are on an upward trend, . Federal support for state early education initiatives has declined by 8 percent in the last four years (and that’s in nominal terms, not accounting for inflation).

Don’t Loose Hope – Even in states that fallen behind, leadership changes following November’s election may create new opportunity to rejuvenate pre-k efforts next year. Voters too have shown in opinion polls that they care about quality early education.

How did your state legislators do this year? Check out the report .

Map from Pre-K Now, Votes Count 2008.