Tenn. Democrats Want Pre-K Expansion

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Rep. Mike Turner

Tennessee’s education commissioner says he doesn’t plan to request funds for expanding pre-kindergarten classes, but democratic leaders say they plan to speak with Governor Bill Haslam about considering an expansion.

Commissioner Kevin Huffman says the program will require an additional 2 million dollars just for routine cost increases. Haslam has asked state departments to cut 5 percent in spending as a fallback. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner says the pre-K classes for at-risk children are needed. He plans to speak with the governor to consider legislation to expand them. Tennessee’s voluntary pre-K program was last expanded in 2008.