On Thursday, April 28, the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved its fiscal year 2012 (FY12) state budget plan for $30.51 billion in total state spending. The commonwealth faces a budget gap of $1.9 billion for FY12, with no federal stimulus dollars and limited state reserves. Lawmakers added roughly $70 million in spending above the recommended budget of the House Ways and Means (HWM) Committee.
The Department of Early Education and Care was funded at $501 million, with many line items maintaining funding at their current levels. In addition, the full-day kindergarten grant program was level funded. Click here for more information about the final recommendations for programs administered by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Despite the challenging fiscal climate, the House and governor have prioritized and protected investments in high-quality early education.
The budget now moves to the state Senate. The Senate Ways and Means Committee is expected to release its recommended budget for FY12 in mid-May. The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget by the end of the month. Please contact your state senator today and urge him/her to protect and preserve investments in high-quality early education and care. Your advocacy efforts are critical to ensuring that all children get the strong start they deserve.
Click here to send an email to your state senator urging him/her to prioritize investments in high-quality early education and reading proficiency by third grade.
Eye on Early Education focuses on the twin goals of ensuring that Massachusetts children have access to high-quality early education and become proficient readers by the end of third grade.
