Governor Whitmer proposed expanding the government-funded preschool to thousands of 4 year-olds in Michigan that are eligible, but not enrolled.

Whitmer’s stated goal is the elimination of wait lists for eligible children; having all programs taught by highly qualified staff using a research-based curriculum; and getting 90% of all eligible children engaged in early learning.

Her proposal would expand the program to 22,000 4 year-olds.

Whitmer posted on Twitter Tuesday that she hopes to narrow the achievement gap between high- and low-income children. It would be funded with an infusion of $250 million in federal coronavirus relief aid and $155 million in state dollars.