Governor Riley to push for "significant expansion" of pre-K education

Gov. Riley announced last week that he would propose a "significant expansion" of the state's voluntary pre-kindergarten program in next year's education budget. If the legislature goes along, it would also mean a "significant expansion" in the size and scope of state government. And it would be an expensive expansion. According to the Huntsville Times, "the Alabama Department of Children's Affairs has estimated a quality program could cost as much as $120 million a year when fully implemented."

The Governor hasn't said how he plans to fund his proposal, but if he is counting on continued economic growth to produce the type of record revenues in the Education Trust Fund that we've seen in recent years, he should think again. Forecasting future tax revenues is always a bit of a guessing game, but that is especially true now, at a time when economic growth appears to be leveling off. Thus, AEA executive secretary Paul Hubbert has a good point when he warns that "there is no way to have a fully funded pre-K program by hoping for growth in the Education Trust Fund in the next few years."

If the economy doesn't cooperate, the only way to achieve full funding for voluntary pre-K anytime soon may be to increase taxes. Is that something the Governor is willing to sign up for? That's the practical question. A more fundamental one is this: is providing free baby-sitting services for 4-year-olds really the business of state government?