LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Craig Greenberg announced his plan to bring universal pre-K to Louisville on Tuesday.
One of the first steps to this project is fundraising for the nonprofit, Thrive by 5 Louisville. The nonprofit still doesn't have any solidified funding at this moment, but Greenberg said he has requested help from the government and private investors.
In his announcement, he mentioned that he will be asking for financial assistance in the next budget proposal to the Metro Council.
"Yeah, it didn't surprise me at all," Councilman Rick Blackwell (D-12) said. "I don't know if there is a number that would raise a red flag. I think what would be important is to be able to see more of the details of the plan."
Blackwell, who is also the chair of the budget committee, said he's glad the need for families to have access to quality childcare is being addressed.
"I think it's huge on a lot of levels. I think it's huge for the individual student we know that the date is very clear, that having students ready for kindergarten sets them up for success," Blackwell said.
Councilman Jeff Hudson (R-23) said this proposal still has a way to go before Republicans like himself can give a clear answer on their support.
"I share the mayor’s focus on supporting opportunities to spread the availability of childcare and lessening the costs," Hudson said, "but I am also concerned that this proposal will be creating an entirely new function for a government that will be facing budget challenges in the coming years."
Blackwell compared this program to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which he said will need increased funding every year.
One of the many childcare programs, like Magnolia Blossom Montessori School, said they could benefit from this proposed financial assistance if they joined Thrive by 5 Louisville.
Chancie McKenna, the director of Magnolia Blossom Montessori School, said they are a nonprofit themselves would join the mayor's project.
"I feel like it would be very beneficial to the families and I noticed that whenever I was able to take my first born and educate her, and when she went to preschool, her preschool teacher said she was first grade ready," McKenna said.
Greenberg's budget proposal is expected to be submitted by the end of April.
Metro Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe (D-21) said she's on board with offering her support.
"As a former teacher of kindergarten, first and second grade, I know it's extremely important," Ruhe said. "I would look at it very seriously, without knowing the exact numbers I can't promise anything."
She said she's seen the impact of how early education can make a difference in a child's life.
"By giving them a good start, we're going to see a payoff 15-20 years down the line," Ruhe said. "This is an investment in our future."
Hudson said he will support anything that helps to increase access and remove unnecessary barriers for providers. He does say that there are concerns of dedicating millions of dollars in future budgets for a service that isn't already provided.
"Especially in a time when we are fighting to take care of the things we already own and not to mention our focus on restoring safety to our community.”
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