Indy Star: Pence Administration Doesn't Apply For $80M Federal Pre-K Grant

Friday, October 17, 2014 at 7:28 AM

By Mike Perleberg

Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle 99.3. (Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s administration is saying “no thanks” to the opportunity for the state to receive an $80 million federal grant. The Indianapolis Star reports that Pence’s administration made a surprise, last minute decision to not apply for the grant money for preschool programs serving children from low and moderate income families. The revelation came in an internal email acquired by the newspaper. The grant, which Indiana had to apply for by Wednesday but was likely to receive if so, would have provided up to $20 million for each of the next four years. The Star said advocates of the grant estimated the money could have funded services for 2,000 more Indiana children. Early Learning Advisory Committee Chairman Kevin Bain shared a statement from the Pence administration. “While accepting federal grant dollars can at times be justified to advance our state's objectives, when it comes to early childhood education, I believe Indiana must develop our own pre-K program for disadvantaged children without federal intrusion,” Bain said. “…We must be vigilant as we design the program the Indiana way and avoid the pitfalls that too often accompany untested and unproven objectives in federal policy.” The Star also reported speculation that Pence has concerns that students who would participate in a federally-funded preschool program would later have to go through kindergarten readiness assessment screenings. Democrats including Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) are critical of the decision. “The Governor owes those of us who have labored hard to get our state on board and see the benefits of early childhood education more than just a statement,” Lanane said. “It seems imprudent that we reject $80 million because of fear of some speculative ‘pitfalls’ and ‘unproven objectives’ perceived attached to them. I fear this is a setback for the advancement of the welfare of the children of our state that we know will be improved by Indiana moving swiftly to implement early childhood education.” Lanane wants Pence to explain why and exactly how he plans to replace the funding.