JEFFERSON CITY — Determined to fight for expanding early childhood education programs in the state, Sen. Joe Keaveny, D-St. Louis, applauds the newly sworn-in Missouri governor for selecting pre-kindergarten education as his first official business upon beginning his second term in office. After today’s swearing-in ceremony for several of Missouri state executive officials, the governor immediately met with early childhood education officials, educators, and advocates to discuss the well-being of Missouri children.

“I’m very pleased the governor is taking the matter of early childhood education seriously and that it was addressed today at the chief of state’s traditional ‘first meeting’ of a new term,” Sen. Keaveny said.

For the 2013 legislative session, Sen. Keaveny is sponsoring two bills that address state funding for early childhood education programs. Senate Bill 132 would allow a school district that operates a pre-kindergarten program to receive state funding through the state’s school foundation formula for students between 3 and 5 years of age. Senator Keaveny’s SB 133 is similar, but targets children who are eligible to receive free and reduced-priced lunch. Senator Keaveny was proud to collaborate with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in drafting the measures.

“Research shows that the positive economic impact of early childhood education is most evident when resources are dedicated to children living in poverty,” Sen. Keaveny said. “Children who have the opportunity to attend pre-kindergarten programs are less likely to be involved in crime and, instead, embark on successful and lucrative careers and own their own homes later in life. Every parent and guardian’s wish is for their children to be happy, safe, and healthy, and attending early education programs would build for them a solid foundation on which to build a prosperous life.”

To follow the progress of Sen. Keaveny’s sponsored legislation, please visit his Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny.