Children’s Advocates Push for More Pre-K

ATLANTA – Prekindergarten advocates gathered at the Gold
Dome on Tuesday to push for more early education for Georgia’s
children, the same day that Gov. Nathan Deal proposed making the
program half-day.

Pat Willis, head of Voices for Georgia’s Children, said
prekindergarten is not a “luxury” but a necessity to ensure the
state’s children are successful in school.

To rein in spending by programs funded by the Georgia Lottery,
Deal has proposed reducing free prekindergarten from 6.5 hours to
four each day in order to add 5,000 more slots. He also has
proposed an increase in funding for transportation and after-school
programs to help low-income children remain in the program.

Scores of 4-year-olds crowded the steps inside the Capitol on
Tuesday as lawmakers read books to them.