Currently the program serves about 1,500 students in five counties.

The bill looking to expand state funded pre-K also allocates $1 million for in-home digital preschool learning.

Pre-K continues to be one of the most debated education bills this session.

The committee reduced funding for a pre-K expansion bill, from $10 million a year to $3 million a year.

The Senate Appropriations Committee endorsed the move Thursday to cut the governor's request for $10 million a year in additional funding to $3 million.

The General Assembly will discuss how to expand the state's pre-k pilot program during the 2017 legislative session.

When the General Assembly convenes for the 2017 legislative session, expanding state funded pre-K will be a top priority.

Some believe every child in the state should attend pre-k on the state's dime, others think the focus should be on low-income families.

In 2014, Pence stopped the Indiana Department of Education from applying for an $80 million grant that would have established a similar system.

Allen, Jackson, Lake, Marion and Vanderburgh counties are the pilot areas for the On My Way Pre-K program. To be eligible, families must have an income that is 127 percent below the federal poverty line. The child must also be 4 years old by Aug. 1. Applications are due March 5.