Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, has introduced bipartisan legislation to expand state-led pre-kindergarten programs in low-income and rural communities.
On Wednesday, Gluesenkamp Perez joined Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, in introducing the Pre-K for Kids Act. If passed, the legislation would establish a grant program within the U.S. Department of Education for state-led pre-kindergarten programs in low-income communities.
The grant funding would support pre-kindergarten programs that serve families with a household income of $30,000 or less.
“Your bank account shouldn’t dictate the quality of early education services your kids are able to access,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement. “As a mom, I’m excited to work with Rep. Nunn to invest in the future of all our kids.”
According to the lawmakers, 31% of low-income children were in preschool programs in the fall of 2021. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, 300,000 fewer children attended preschool in the 2020-2021 school year, the largest enrollment drop in 20 years.
“As a dad of six, I’m committed to investing in Iowa’s future. Pre-kindergarten education is critical to laying a strong foundation for our kids,” Nunn said in a statement. “Every Iowan, regardless of zip code or income, deserves access to affordable education opportunities. We have an obligation to ensure that public education is meeting the needs of every single child.”
According to the lawmakers, early childhood education can reduce educational gaps and benefit a child’s development and speech.
