Gov. Andy Beshear launches ‘Pre-K for All’ initiative to improve public education

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear and first lady Britainy Beshear joined Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and other leaders to launch the “Pre-K for All” initiative.

According to the governor’s office, the initiative’s goal is to advance the commonwealth’s public education system and job growth.

“We are here, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as part of the right or the left,” Beshear said. “Instead, we are here as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, educators and business leaders. We are here because we want the best for our Kentucky kids, the best for our Kentucky parents and caregivers, and we want to build and maintain the best workforce in America.”

The governor stated that according to KY Stats, more than half of Kentucky’s children – 53.8% – are unprepared when they show up for their first day of kindergarten.

“We must provide pre-K to every Kentucky child to ensure that they are prepared for Kindergarten and that they don’t feel behind from day one,” the first lady said. “When our kids start school feeling excited and ready to learn, they have the confidence to speak up in class, challenge themselves, ask questions and connect with their peers. That strong beginning has a long-term impact, and it will help them succeed and build the life they dream of.”

Beshear says that in addition to increasing educational opportunities, Pre-K for All will also help put funds back into the wallets of the parents and caregivers of students and grow Kentucky’s workforce.

“American families are struggling to pay the bills, and one of the key drivers is a lack of child care,” Beshear said. “Pre-K for All can ease the financial burden facing our hard-working families and make paying the bills a little easier.”

The governor noted that according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 79 of Kentucky’s 120 counties – nearly two-thirds – don’t have access to enough child care to serve every family who needs it, with the majority of those located in Eastern Kentucky.