GOP proposal touted as step toward statewide full-day kindergarten

Up to 7,000 needy Indiana students might attend full-day kindergarten next fall under a proposal backed by majority Republicans in both chambers of the General Assembly.

The plan would use tax credits to provide about $1,250 for each of about 7,000 students, said Rep. Robert W. Behning, the bill's author and chairman of the House Education Committee which will discuss the bill Monday.

Behning, R-Indianapolis, touted the legislation as a step toward statewide full-day kindergarten until the General Assembly starts work on a new state budget next year.

"I would anticipate the budget will turn around to the point where we will have an all-day kindergarten bill next year that will be broad-based," Behning said at a news conference Friday.

AP Wire | 01/21/2006 | GOP proposal touted as step toward statewide full-day kindergarten