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House expands preschool eligibility for some five-year-olds
Summary
House File 2493 would allow certain five-year-olds who reach age 5 between March 15 and September 15 to enroll in the statewide preschool program; an amendment to fully fund full-day preschool failed and the bill passed.
Representative Knipp said HF 2493 expands statewide preschool funding to include five-year-olds born between March 15 and September 15 who are eligible for kindergarten, noting an amendment was filed. Representative Ellerge proposed Amendment H8051 to change waiting lists so that full-day preschool could be fully funded; the amendment failed on a roll-call. Supporters, including Representative Ballard and Representative Kenneth McCullough, said the bill "gives options" to parents and should be supported. The House passed the measure (87–0, 11 absent).
The debate focused on eligibility windows and funding priorities rather than opposition to the program itself.
