INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ A newspaper report says Gov. Mike Pence's administration has abandoned seeking a federal grant that could provide up to $80 million for preschool programs serving low-income students.
The Indianapolis Star reports an internal email sent to members of the state's Early Learning Advisory Committee says the administration believes Indiana must develop its own preschool program for “disadvantaged children without federal intrusion.''
The Family and Social Services Administration and the state Department of Education had worked on the grant since the federal government rejected a previous application last year. The federal government recently announced Indiana had qualified to apply for up to $20 million annually for up to four years.
State Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane says he fears the decision hurts work to improve the welfare of Indiana children.
