Holly Barnes Higgins
Office 202.862.9863
Mobile 202.834.6846
hhiggins@preknow.org

(Washington, D.C.) – In spite of state efforts to curtail extensive waiting lists for parents seeking
pre-kindergarten programs, Colorado ranks near the bottom on a new list of places families have the best and worst chances of enrolling their children in high-quality, state-funded pre-kindergarten, according to "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009.” The annual state-by-state analysis of pre-k funding, released today by Pre-K Now with support from The Pew Charitable Trusts, also reveals progress in the state, one of 32 nationwide adding a total of 316 million new dollars to pre-k programs.

“In Colorado, neither pre-k quality nor enrollment improved notably between 2003 and 2007, and policy leaders are now playing catch-up,” said Libby Doggett, executive director of Pre-K Now. “Despite a renewed focus on pre-k, too many of Colorado’s young children are still left out and will start school unprepared.”

While having to address structural budget constraints resulting from limitations on revenue and spending, such as the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights adopted by voters in 1992, lawmakers managed to increase funding for the program by about 150% since the 2004-05 school year. The FY09 increase of more than $21 million is expected to eliminate current waiting lists for eligible children, adding more than 6,200 slots for 3- and 4-year-olds.

“Votes Count” sheds new light on the impact of America’s economic downturn and the role of business leaders in legislative support for pre-k funding increases. Motivated by concerns about workforce development and dismal high school-graduation rates, business leaders - along with a growing number of parents, educators and school administrators - are helping Republicans and Democrats join forces to advance pre-k as a prudent, evidence-based economic and education reform strategy. In places as far-flung and politically diverse as Alabama, Michigan, Kansas and Virginia, pre-k support is crossing political aisles.

Additional report highlights:

• In addition to Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Ohio and Kansas offer the worst chances to families seeking high-quality, state-funded pre-k; Oklahoma, West Virginia and Arkansas give families the best chances.
• Net state investments in pre-k will increase by 6.3% to $5.2 billion in FY09, providing an estimated 46,000 families with new access to state-funded pre-k.
• The District of Columbia and Louisiana join an elite group of seven states already providing or phasing in pre-k for all children: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, New York, Oklahoma and West Virginia.
• Two states attempted to divert funds earmarked for early childhood programs: Kentucky and Arizona.
• Nine states anticipate increases for pre-k programs funded through their school funding formulas, the most stable source a state can provide.
• For the second year in a row, Iowa had the highest percent increase in pre-k support at 73%.
• Two of the dozen states in the “Pre-K Wilderness” (those without a state-funded pre-k program) took important first steps toward establishing quality programs: Hawaii and Rhode Island.

“For parents and families frustrated with the slow pace of pre-k expansion and quality improvement in Colorado, they need look no further than self-imposed mandates that constrained pre-k improvement and expansion. Citizens of Colorado must find ways to ensure funding limits don’t limit the potential of their children,” said Doggett.

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Pre-K Now collaborates with state advocates and policymakers to lead a movement for high-quality voluntary 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, the McCormick Foundation, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Foundation for Child Development, RGK Foundation, CityBridge Foundation, and the Schumann Fund for New Jersey.

The Pew Charitable Trusts (www.pewtrusts.org) is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our commitment to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.

• "Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009"
• Fast facts on Colorado's FY09 pre-k budget