JEFFERSON CITY — For several years Sen. Joseph Keaveny has filed legislation that would expand access to early childhood education for low income children. During the 2014 legislative session, Sen. Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis, sponsored Senate Bill 538, that was later included in legislation signed by the governor today (July 9).  The current foundation formula used to fund education in Missouri only serves kindergarten through 12th grade. House Bill 1689, sponsored by Rep. Kathryn Swan, R-Cape Girardeau, includes Sen. Keaveny’s language that adds education funding of 3 and 5 year olds to the current foundation formula.

“I am pleased that this important legislation has been signed by the governor and will now help thousands of young students across the state,” Sen. Keaveny said. “Ensuring children have access to early childhood education has been a passion of mine for years. I am proud to have been able to work closely and effectively with Rep. Swan to ensure this legislation was passed and signed into law.”

Senate Bill 538, allows a school district to receive state funding for students between the ages of 3 and 5 who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch.

The final version of the legislation:

• Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to update local effort calculations based upon boundary changes;

• Updates the Free and Reduced-Price Lunch pupil count to meet federal guidelines; and

• Gives priority to unaccredited districts, then provisionally rated districts and finally to all districts regarding state funding for pre-K education.

For more information regarding his sponsored legislation, contact Sen. Keaveny’s Capitol office at (573) 751-3599 or follow the legislation online at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny.