Governors Across the Country Celebrate Federal Preschool Development Grant B-5 Funding

The Preschool Development Grant Birth through 5 (PDG B-5) is a $275 million competitive federal grant program designed to improve states’ early childhood systems by building upon existing federal, state, and local early care and learning investments.

Bipartisan efforts have been made across the country to ensure that our nation’s youngest learners have the best opportunities to succeed. Lawmakers know that PDG B-5 is one way to open doors for those children who are most in need of assistance. Governors from states that were awarded PDG B-5 funding touted these critical federal investments in their states.

Learn more about what they have to say about the positive impact that PDG B-5 funds will have on their states:

“Alabama’s youngest citizens are the future of our state, which is why I am so proud to welcome this critical funding. As we continue to grow our First Class Pre-K program, we must also expand its learning methods and best practices from birth through third grade. When students are successful in their first few years of school, they are much more likely to be successful throughout their life.” – Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL)

“Minnesotans agree that they want our state to be the best place for children to grow up, no matter who they are or where they’re from. This federal support will help achieve that goal by putting children at the center of government and helping connect families with the support they need to thrive.” – Governor Tim Walz (D-MN)

“The most important and impactful time of a child’s development is the early years of his or her life. With this funding, we now have the opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure and data systems to strengthen our early childhood offerings, which is crucial to the development of a strong Missouri workforce.” – Governor Mike Parson (R-MO)

“Having a strong start to a child’s education journey helps propel them to a strong finish in their later education and workforce endeavors. I’m glad to support this opportunity to develop a strategic plan and vision for the state’s early childhood system that will help Wyoming’s communities and economy grow and thrive.” – Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY)

“My approach since day one has been to increase family engagement in every setting. This grant will build on my administration’s commitment to Early Childhood Development.” – Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH)

“The first years of a kid’s life set the tone for their future success. Right now,
many families struggle to find affordable and reliable care for their kids before they reach school age. This grant provides us with an opportunity to clear some of those hurdles, and to connect the dots for our kids and their families.” – Governor Tony Evers (D-WI)

“Improving early childhood literacy is one of my top priorities as governor. This funding will give educators and kids more tools to strengthen language and literacy prior to starting kindergarten. The earlier our kids start reading, the better chance they have to be proficient by third grade.” – Governor Brad Little (R-ID)

“Investing in early childhood education is a smart, responsible move for Colorado and young children across our state will benefit from this grant. These important resources will help support my budget proposals to expand pre-school in Colorado and improve the quality of early childhood education. [And] will also support providers’ effective practices, better connect families to needed services, and prepare our children for the classroom and the future.” – Governor Jared Polis

“Rhode Island is already a leader in early childhood education and development, and this grant will allow us to further support our youngest learners. I’m proud of our state’s commitment to giving the next generation a strong start, but we need to do more. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to expand public Pre-K and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and grow.” – Governor Gina Raimondo (D-RI)

“Every young child in our state deserves a strong start in a safe and nurturing family and early learning opportunities. Winning this grant represents our continued commitment to that goal and a step forward in improving opportunities for North Carolina’s children.” – Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC)

“We know South Carolina’s young people are our greatest asset. This funding allows our state to continue efforts to give them the best possible start for a bright future, and that means a bright future for the state as a whole.” — Governor Henry McMaster (R-SC)