Trista Kendall
Office 202.862.9873
tkendall@preknow.org

(Austin, TX) – Executive Director of Pre-K Now, Libby Doggett, today issued the following statement on Gov. Rick Perry’s State of the State Address, in which he proposed an increase of $80 million for state pre-kindergarten programs:

“As a children’s advocate and as a Texan, I applaud Governor Perry for proposing a funding increase for Texas pre-k.  Realizing that the Legislative Budget Board’s announced plans to cut pre-k funding were unwise, the governor has stepped up with a strong commitment of more dollars to ensure more of our state’s youngest learners enter kindergarten prepared.  We are eagerly awaiting the details of the proposal and hope it will increase the quality of pre-k in Texas and build on the community-based partnerships that are developing in the state.

“Political leaders from both parties promote pre-k as a proven school reform solution, and Governor Perry’s leadership will boost the continuing bipartisan cooperation we have seen around pre-k in Texas.  The governor joins his colleagues in neighboring states, Governor Henry in Oklahoma and Governor Beebe in Arkansas, to champion pre-k as a proven method to close the achievement gap and prepare students for academic success. 

“Governor Perry has taken a stand on behalf Texas families, and I look forward to seeing the Texas Legislature stand with him.”

Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality pre-kindergarten for all three and four year olds. The following funders contribute to making this important work possible: The Pew Charitable Trusts, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, RGK Foundation, CityBridge Foundation, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.

###