By Andrew Pillow

House Bill 1004 seeks to expand the state’s already existing preschool program. Currently, the pilot serves five counties. The bill would expand that number to 10.

The bill also has a provision for students who receive a state pre-K scholarship to receive a voucher to attend a private school.

The latter provision is facing stiff opposition from democrats. The democrats are arguing that republicans are using this bill as an opportunity to expand the state’s already controversial voucher program. Republicans contend that they are simply making the program available to students a year sooner.

The bill cleared the education committee, but democrats have pledged to continue to fight the bill.

Read more here. (WFYI)