Beacon Hill Roll Call
The Sharon Advocate, May 30, 2008

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (H 4706)

House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill defining and expanding the duties and powers of the Department of Early Education and Care. A key provision establishes the Massachusetts Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program, a voluntary early education program for all preschool children across the state. The department was created by the Legislature in July 2004 to consolidate existing early education and care programs under a new and streamlined independent department that would coordinate all public and private prekindergarten education and care programs and services in Massachusetts. Supporters said that the bill is another major step in the fight to provide quality pre-kindergarten education in public and private settings throughout Massachusetts. They noted that this landmark endeavor would ensure that children are prepared when they enter kindergarten. The House and Senate in 2006 unanimously approved a similar proposal but it was vetoed by former Gov. Mitt Romney. The House and Senate did not act to override Romney's veto. (A "Yes" vote is for the bill).