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Committee hears proposal to create 'Pre‑K Promise' account backed by Ballmer Group funding
Summary
House Bill 2,159 would create a non‑appropriated Pre‑K Promise account to accept gifts and donations to expand the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP); staff and the Department of Children, Youth and Families described eligible populations, and Ballmer Group pledged funding to support up to 10,000 additional slots over 10 years.
Committee staff outlined House Bill 2,159, which would create the Pre‑K Promise account to accept gifts, grants and donations specifically to expand ECAP. Jordan Clark told members the account would be non‑appropriated but subject to allotment procedures and that only the DCYF secretary may authorize expenditures from it. Clark noted Governor Ferguson’s proposed budget included $34.5 million in non‑appropriated funding authority for FY2027 and that a recent Ballmer Group philanthropic commitment could support up to 10,000 additional ECAP slots.
Andy Smith of the Ballmer Group testified in support and framed the contribution as a straightforward philanthropic partnership to increase access to high‑quality early learning. "We've committed to provide funding for up to 10,000 new school day seats per year for 10 years," Smith told the committee. Thomas Senn, secretary of DCYF, said the predictability of a long‑term commitment would allow DCYF to expand into communities without current ECAP access and focus on children furthest from opportunity.
Representative Bergquist, prime sponsor, described the bill as a public‑private partnership opportunity to expand access to early learning and urged committee support. Multiple early‑learning providers and advocates (Head Start, Catholic Charities, local ECAP programs) testified in favor, noting fully enrolled classrooms, wait lists, and the need to serve children with complex needs.
The committee closed public testimony with no vote taken; staff fiscal notes and written testimony will remain available to members.
