A Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee killed two bills that would have helped expand access to full-day kindergarten by creating a budget and plan for localities that don’t have full-day kindergarten access for all children.
HB 457, patroned by Delegate Kathleen Murphy (34th – McLean), HB 798, patroned by Delegate John Bell (87th – Loudoun), required any localities without full-day kindergarten programs to develop a plan to implement such programs in their localities, and to examine what funding would be necessary to implement the plans. The bills were laid on the table in a 5-4 block vote.
“Once again our efforts to create a plan to implement Full Day Kindergarten in Loudoun was killed by Republicans on the House Education Subcommittee. Once again they rejected our effort to take a realistic look at what would be necessary to fund and implement Full Day Kindergarten for our children. This is shortsighted and doesn’t serve the families in Loudoun. We clearly recognize the financial challenges involved and believe that is all the more reason to have a plan in place,” said Delegate Kathleen Murphy. “If we want to provide our children the best educational opportunities, we have to make a budget and make a plan.”
“As a parent and grandparent, I want the best education for all children in Virginia. Every child needs a full day of kindergarten to be able to compete and thrive in the New Virginia Economy,” said Delegate John Bell. “I’m disappointed that a majority of Republicans on the Subcommittee do not have the same priorities when it comes to early childhood education. I will continue to work to expand access to quality public education, because every child deserves to have the same opportunities in our Commonwealth.”
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