Shackleford: Pre-K cuts threaten Hoosier children’s health and family economic stability

INDIANAPOLIS - State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) is speaking out against the Braun administration’s decision to slash Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program, reducing access from more than 6,000 children to just 2,500 for the 2025-26 school year. Reimbursement rates for families and child care providers will also be capped at $147.82 per week, cutting support by as much as half in some counties.

“This isn’t just a budget decision — it’s a direct threat to our children’s futures and to family stability across Indiana,” Shackleford said. “Early childhood education is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong health, academic achievement and financial security. These cuts will set kids back before they’ve even stepped into a kindergarten classroom.”

Shackleford, who has long championed access to quality care in Indianapolis and beyond, highlighted the clear connection between pre-K and improved public health outcomes.

“Children who attend high-quality pre-K are less likely to develop chronic health conditions later in life. They show better emotional regulation, stronger mental health and higher levels of physical activity as they grow. Stripping this opportunity from Hoosier families will have lifelong health consequences.

“For working parents, these programs mean the difference between being able to stay in the workforce or not. A 2024 study of universal pre‑K in New Haven, Connecticut found that parents with a child in the program increased their earnings by 20.9%, thanks to more reliable care and extended work hours. Without affordable pre-K, many parents — especially mothers — will be forced to cut back hours or quit altogether. That hurts household budgets and weakens our economy.”

“When the state underfunds pre-K, providers are also forced to scale back or shut down. This makes Indiana’s child care deserts even worse, especially in low-income and urban neighborhoods.”

Shackleford contrasted the administration’s cuts with Republican leaders’ choice to expand Indiana’s private school voucher program, a move that provides new benefits to wealthy families while reducing support for low- and middle-income households.

“There was money in the budget. The choice was made to prioritize private school vouchers for millionaires over essential early learning for working families. That speaks volumes about where this administration’s values lie.

“If Indiana wants healthier families, a stronger workforce and better academic outcomes, then we need to treat pre-K as essential infrastructure, not an afterthought. These cuts are a mistake, and I will continue fighting to restore what Hoosier families deserve.”