INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A panel of Indiana lawmakers has recommended that the state expand publicly funded early childhood education programming.

The Indianapolis Star reports that members of the Republican-led Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy on Wednesday didn’t provide details on how broad the expansion should be.

Their recommendation comes as both the GOP and Democratic candidates for governor include pre-kindergarten expansions in their education plans.

A new study by Indiana University exploring the effects of supporting pre-K projected a $3.80 to $4 return for every dollar the state infuses into the program. Researchers came to the conclusion by reviewing potential savings to the criminal justice system and special education programs, as well as higher wages expected for participants of the program.

Indiana currently provides $10 million each year for its pre-K pilot program.
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