December 19, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtney Daniel, Chief of Communications and External Affairs
courtney@prichardcommittee.org

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Last night, Governor Beshear presented his budget recommendations for the next two fiscal years. The Prichard Committee has conducted a comprehensive analysis of these proposals, focusing on their alignment with the Big Bold Ask—a six-year investment plan aimed at strengthening Kentucky’s investment in education for the greatest return. A notable highlight in the budget is the substantial $257 million allocation for preschool education, surpassing the ambitious targets set by the Big Bold Ask.

“As we applaud the governor’s proposal, we remain vigilant about the critical need for sustained and increased investment in child care as part of Kentucky’s early childhood infrastructure,” said Brigitte Blom, president/CEO of the Prichard Committee. “Access to child care and innovative approaches that help increase the supply of high-quality child care are critical to supporting readiness for kindergarten and workforce participation that will help break cycles of poverty.”

Key Highlights of Governor Beshear’s Budget Proposals:

• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): The governor’s budget proposes $29 million, a step toward meeting the Big Bold Ask but raising questions about its adequacy in sustaining current CCAP support levels.
• Education Investments: The budget exceeds the Big Bold Ask in areas like preschool, all-day kindergarten, and school transportation, indicating a strong commitment to early and primary education.
• Postsecondary Education: Close alignment with the Big Bold Ask in funding public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), with significant investments in the College Assistance Program.

Areas of Concern:
Despite these positive strides, our analysis reveals areas that require further attention:

• Teaching Excellence Funding: The budget falls short of the proposed investment, raising concerns about retaining and attracting quality educators.
• CCAP Funding and Scope: Critical questions remain about the sufficiency of the budget to continue supporting all children currently under CCAP, and the implications of potential copayment changes for families.

The budget focuses on enhancing Kentucky’s educational framework, with significant increases in educator pay, health care, retirement benefits, instructional resources, and facilities funding. However, it is crucial that the finer details of these proposals, particularly in child care and teaching excellence, are examined to ensure they meet the growing needs of Kentucky’s children and educators.

As the Kentucky House and Senate deliberate on these proposals, our team will continue to monitor developments and provide insights. We invite the public to review the governor’s full budget bill and our detailed summaries for early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education, available on our website.

Read the analysis here.

###

The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is an independent, nonpartisan, citizen-led organization working to improve education in Kentucky – early childhood through postsecondary.