Louisiana preschools might lose $22.5 million in federal funding

As Louisiana celebrates the receipt of $7.1 million more in preschool funding, advocates and the U.S. Education Department warn the expansion program might get stopped in its tracks. The spending bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee eliminates the final two years of preschool development grants.

The federal government announced the $7.1 million disbursement Friday (Oct. 2). But another $22.5 million is now in jeopardy.

That would erase 1,000 new preschool spots that are already being created for 4-year-olds from low-income families and prevent the creation of 800 more. State officials have planned to use the total $32 million to educate 4,580 new children, with an additional 6,000 children getting enhanced care.

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan berated Republicans for the proposed cuts. He said they "have put forward a budget that would shut down preschool for 100,000 kids" across the United States.

Read more: http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2015/10/preschool_funding_at_risk.html#incart_river_home