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Committee approves statewide preschool study bill to map programs and funding gaps
Summary
Senate Bill 23‑61 would create a statewide study of preschool programs, including inventories, cost analyses, funding gaps and unmet needs; the committee adopted a deadline amendment for the report and voted 9–0 to move the bill to the calendar.
Senator Massey told the committee SB 23‑61 would commission a comprehensive statewide study of preschool programs to inventory voluntary pre‑K, special‑education preschool services, Head Start partnerships, locally funded and parent‑paid programs; identify operating costs and funding gaps; and recommend structural approaches used by other states. The amendment approved in committee moved the report deadline to Sept. 1, 2027.
Supporters said a clearer statewide picture would help budgeting and planning, noting that current funding streams are fragmented and often do not cover the full operating costs for staffing, curriculum and materials. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and recorded 9 ayes on the final action to send the bill to the calendar.
