Senate approves plan to accept Ballmer Group funds to expand preschool slots
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Summary
The Washington State Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 5872, creating a Pre-K Promise account to accept a Ballmer Group pledge intended to fund up to 10,000 ECAP slots; sponsors said it allows philanthropic dollars to expand access without creating a statewide mandate.
The Washington State Senate on final passage approved Substitute Senate Bill 5872, which creates a Pre-K Promise account to accept philanthropic funding intended to expand access to the state-funded early childhood program ECAP.
Senator Claire Wilson, the bill sponsor, told colleagues the Ballmer Group is “partnering with the state to increase access to our comprehensive early learning opportunities by creating a new grant that will increase access to our comprehensive early learning opportunities by funding 10,000 additional slots for eligible children, representing an investment of approximately a $170,000,000 annually for the next 10 years.” She said the change simply allows state law to accept that private funding and prioritize low-income children where the district chooses to opt in.
Senator Gildan and other supporters described the measure as a way to expand high-quality preschool and improve long-term outcomes; opponents did not prevail in recorded votes. The Senate roll call recorded 46 ayes and 3 nays, and the bill was declared passed.
Why it matters: Sponsors said the bill does not mandate programs but permits districts to accept philanthropic dollars to expand slots, potentially increasing preschool access for thousands of children. Supporters framed the effort as an immediate way to expand capacity while preserving local control.
What’s next: The title will be the title of the act and the bill moves forward per the normal enactment process.
