House Education and Labor Committee Passes Hirono’s PRE-K Act Legislation Will Improve Quality Preschool Opportunities
for Our Youngest Children
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) announced the Providing Resources Early for Kids (PRE-K) Act of 2007 (H.R. 3289) passed a major hurdle today, advancing out of the House Education and Labor Committee by a vote of 31-11. The bill, which Congresswoman Hirono introduced last August, will improve the quality of early childhood education throughout the United States.
“We know preschool works. Youth who have access to high quality early education are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and find gainful employment. They are less likely to be involved in the criminal justice system or rely on public assistance as adults.” said Hirono, who serves as a member of the House Education and Labor Committee.
The PRE-K Act establishes a voluntary grant program for states working to improve the quality of their preschool programs. The bill would provide $500 million per year for five years, and would support, not supplant, states’ efforts. The money can be used to increase the number of qualified early educators, improve the student-teacher ratio in preschools, or to increase the hours per day, days per week, and weeks per year families have access to early education. Additionally, grants could be spent on vital comprehensive services such as health screenings and nutritional assistance to preschool students.
“With the markup today, we have taken an important step in the right direction. I will continue to fight for our children and our country’s future by working to pass this bill in the whole House,” said Hirono.
The PRE-K act will now be sent to the full House for consideration.
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