Congresswoman Hirono Statement on Announcement to Expand Preschool Opportunities for Hawaii's Keiki

Press Release

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), who voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that funded the federal Race to the Top (RTTT) competition, today released the following statement on the State of Hawaii's announcement that it will increase opportunities for more children to attend preschool:

"When it comes to research-based education reform, quality early learning is one of the best investments we can make to support our keiki," said Congresswoman Hirono, member of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee. "I commend Governor Abercrombie, Superintendent Matayoshi, Early Learning Coordinator Lock, and Hawaii's early learning providers for their commitment to our youngest learners. This effort will allow many more children to have access to preschool. I also applaud the state's efforts in strengthening the quality of early education by seeking a federal Early Learning Challenge grant."

Hawaii was one of nine states and the District of Columbia to be awarded funding during the second round of the federal Race to the Top competition in the summer of 2010. As part of its implementation plan to turn around its lowest performing schools, the State of Hawaii is providing new preschool subsidies to parents in designated Zones of School Innovation on Oahu's Waianae Coast and in Kau on the island of Hawaii.

Congresswoman Hirono spearheaded the effort in Congress to expand the next round of the federal Race to the Top grant competition to include early learning initiatives. Through the RTTT-Early Learning Challenge, Hawaii will be able to apply for up to $50 million this fall.

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