releases: http://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-gets-language-spending-bill-restore-pre-k-funding
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| http://pingree.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pingree-gets-language-spending-bill-restore-pre-k-funding | Pingree gets language in spending bill to restore pre-K funding | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Democrat | House | ME | Chellie Pingree | P000597 | pingree.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Pingree visiting a pre-k program in Old Orchard that has benefited from federal funding Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, was able to get $250 million in funding for pre-K programs restored to a government spending bill passed by the House this morning. The funding means over 1,500 Maine students will be able take advantage of new and expanded pre-school programs around the state. "Early childhood education is one of the smartest investments we can make, and without this funding tens of thousands of families around the country would not have access to a preschool program," Pingree said. "The evidence is clear: pre-K programs allow kids to start school on an even footing with their peers, and lead to better outcomes over the long term. It's good for students and good for communities." House and Senate leaders had cut funding for a U.S. Department of Education grant to expand preschool programs in school districts in which at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Maine is one of 18 states to receive the funding$14 million over four yearsbut has only received the first two installments of that funding. The proposed cuts threatened communities that had started or expanded programs. Pingree, who this fall visited a school in Old Orchard Beach that would have been affected, led an effort in the House to restore the funding. Over 60 of her colleagues signed on to her bipartisan push to put the funding back in the bill that passed the House today. School districts can use the funding to either expand existing preschool programs from half to full days or add classrooms and teachers to provide services for more students. The grant also supports infrastructure development at the state level to ensure that programs are meeting a high standard of quality. The funding was contained in the omnibus spending bill that passed the House this morning and is headed to the Senate. Pingree voted for the bill. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |