SALEM, Ore. (AP) — The state Senate has approved a measure mandating that all Oregon children have access to all-day kindergarten by 2015.
The 27-3 vote on Thursday sends the measure to the House.
Supporters of the bill say it would help children get a solid start in education so they’ll be less inclined to drop out when they reach high school.
Opponents say they’re concerned about the cost because the bill doesn’t say where the money would come from. Proponents dismissed those concerns, saying the economy should improve over the next four years and there will be plenty of time to figure out how to pay for it.
Some Oregon school districts offer already offer full-day kindergarten and absorb the additional cost or charge tuition for the half-day not funded by the state.
