Wolf to seek another boost for pre-kindergarten programs

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf says he wants a $60 million boost to state-subsidized pre-kindergarten programs in Pennsylvania next year.

The figure he announced Feb. 4 will be part of the budget proposal he delivers to the Legislature next week. It would increase the state's current pre-kindergarten subsidy by one-third.

Wolf initially sought a $120 million increase for pre-kindergarten programs last year, but signed a $30 million increase in December after the Republican-controlled Legislature passed a budget measure he opposed.

Wolf is fighting for another $30 million for pre-kindergarten programs in this year's budget after a bipartisan deal collapsed amid House GOP resistance to the accompanying tax increase Wolf wanted to boost education aid and narrow a deficit.

The budget fight has left billions in limbo in the current fiscal year.