HB 1614 by Dutton: Expanding Pre-K Eligibility and Creation of a Grant Program

HB 1614 seeks to extend free prekindergarten eligibility to certain children participating in prekindergarten partnerships that are receiving state child-care subsidies through a grant program administered by the commissioner of education. HB 1614 is estimated to have a negative impact on taxpayers to a total of over $20.2 million over the next two years and an additional $10 million every year thereafter. Instead of expanding pre-kindergarten programs, we should be eliminating them. It is not the role of the government to take care of people from the cradle to the grave, for this reason, TFR opposes HB 1614.