The Statement Gov. Mike Pence Sent The Early Learning Advisory Committee On Wednesday:

“Earlier this year, our state made history by approving Indiana’s first state-funded pre-kindergarten grant program. We as a state are working earnestly with local partners to start this important program early next year. Keeping faith with the law enacted by the General Assembly, Indiana will initiate this five-county pilot program with $10 million in state funds and decline federal support, and the additional requirements it brings, for our efforts.

“While accepting federal grant dollars can at times be justified to advance our state’s objectives, when it comes to early childhood education, I believe Indiana must develop our own pre-K program for disadvantaged children without federal intrusion. We have made it clear from the beginning of our efforts to advance pre-K education that we must be vigilant as we design the program the Indiana way and avoid the pitfalls that too often accompany untested and unproven objectives in federal policy.

“Our pilot program will give Hoosiers the opportunity to assist some of our most vulnerable children while we examine the merits of quality pre-K education to determine future policy choices. Generous, thoughtful and careful development of new policies for our most disadvantaged kids is the Indiana way.”