House Budget Proposal Eliminates Pre-K Waiting List

Relief could be in store for thousands of North Carolina parents without child care. The latest House budget proposal would eliminate the waiting list for the state's free preschool program.

Nearly 5,000 children were on last year's waiting list for NC Pre-K, the state-run program that prepares 4-year-olds for school.

The News and Observer reports there is now bipartisan agreement to eliminate that waiting list.

Rep. David Lewis, a Republican, is vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Lewis says that if the proposed House budget passes, there will be enough new classroom seats so that no children are turned down.

This development would also fulfill Democratic Governor Roy Cooper's campaign promise to expand NC Pre-K.

The program serves military families, low-income families, and those whose children have special needs or other “at-risk” circumstances.