LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A panel of Nebraska lawmakers is planning a new push to increase early childhood education funding after the Legislature reconvenes in January.
The recommendation came from the Legislature's Education Committee, which held a series of hearings throughout the state in October. Senator Kate Sullivan, the committee's chairwoman, says the programs have been shown to help the social and academic development of children from low-income households.
Lawmakers already approved $4.6 million for early childhood education in April. That money will support a variety of programs that serve at-risk kids too young for kindergarten. Sullivan says lawmakers have not yet settled on a specific amount they're seeking in this additional increase.
Jon Habben of the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association says the programs are widely supported by school administrators.
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