Gov Says Ready for Pre-K Funding Showdown

State legislators return to the capitol tomorrow, and with a projected $150 – 200 million shortfall this year, the budget will likely be the biggest issue.

Governor Phil Bredesen held budget hearings last month with every state department, noting that “across-the-board” cuts weren’t planned, but that it would be a tight budget year.

Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey last week questioned whether that would mean additional funding for the Governor’s Pre-K program. It’s an important initiative to the Governor, and he says despite a tight budget, he will propose additional funds for it.

“Everybody in the state is paying the taxes to support this, I don’t why everybody in the state shouldn’t have the option of sending their child to the pre-k that they’re paying for.”

Governor Bredesen didn’t say how much additional funding the Pre-K program would receive. State legislators begin meeting tomorrow at noon.