DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A plan to enroll more 4-year-olds in preschools across the state continues to move through the Iowa Senate.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the legislation Wednesday, 15-to-5. It is now eligible for floor debate.
The bill attempts to expand the Iowa Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, established in 2007 to fund preschool for 4-year-olds. Under the bill, Iowa school districts that expand existing programs or initiate a new program would receive more funding as an incentive. These additional funds would be offered for three years starting in 2015.
Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, an Arlington Democrat, says the intent is to serve as many 4-year-olds in the state as possible.
Republican Sen. Jake Chapman, of Adel, opposed the legislation, though he says he’s willing to keep working to improve the bill.
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