State Sen. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood wants to ask voters' permission through a ballot measure to keep excess tax revenue to fully fund all-day kindergarten.
Kerr says the state spends on average far less on kindergartners than students in other grades, and, "kids that have a strong, successful early childhood education experience do well in school the rest of their career and go on to be more successful the rest of their life.”
Without voter approval, the state is constitutionally required to issue refunds when tax revenue exceeds the rate of inflation and population growth. The bill faces tough odds in a year when lawmakers will be forced to make cuts to balance the state budget.
"It’s one of those things where: Do we value kids being in full-day kindergarten or do we value $15 checks going to people," Kerr said.
