Enacting legislative commitments and actually providing high-quality pre-k are two separate things. For FY10, two governors are working to ensure that their states turn pre-k policies into real opportunities for children and families.

Gov. John Corzine (D) New Jersey
Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) Georgia

Among the biggest surprises of 2009 is the unprecedented level of new activity in three out of twelve states that currently provide no state-funded pre-k.  Recognizing the importance of investments in quality early education, these governors have all proposed new initiatives.

Gov. John Hoeven (R) North Dakota
Gov. Don Carcieri (R) Rhode Island
Gov. Sarah Palin (R) Alaska

In two of the country’s biggest states, differing approaches to pre-k expansion have produced dramatically different results. Their stories reveal that effective leadership in budgeting and management make the difference between a system that provides essential programs and one that falls short on old promises.

Gov. Ed. Rendell (D) Pennsylvania
Gov. David Paterson (D) New York

Nationwide, governors are under tremendous fiscal and political pressure to spend wisely and close severe budget gaps. Unlike most governors who see pre-k investments as smart policy, these governors are instead attempting to raid voter-mandated funds for early childhood programs.

Gov. Jan Brewer (R) Arizona
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) California

• Read the full report
• See the national and state-specific press releases