From: Kristin Munn
Columbus
As a community member and advocate for early childhood education, I am deeply concerned about the recent Indiana state budget cuts impacting the On My Way Pre-K program and child care vouchers. These funding reductions threaten the stability of childcare providers, the development of young children, and the ability of working families to thrive.
Thousands of Indiana families rely on these programs to access quality early learning and safe, reliable care. For many working parents, childcare vouchers are the only way they can afford to stay in the workforce. For children, programs like On My Way Pre-K offer a critical foundation for school readiness, social-emotional growth, and long-term success.
With reduced funding, childcare providers will be forced to lay off staff, limit enrollment, or close their doors entirely. This not only puts businesses at risk but shrinks the availability of care options at a time when the state (including Bartholomew County) is already facing a child care shortage. The long-term implications are serious: fewer children will enter kindergarten prepared to learn, and more parents, especially mothers—may be forced to leave jobs due to lack of care, affecting family incomes and the economy at large.
Columbus and Bartholomew County are not immune from the negative impact of these funding cuts. With more providers closing doors these numbers will only get worse, leaving hundreds of local children without quality, safe care.
Investment in early childhood education is not just a moral imperative—it’s an economic strategy. I urge our lawmakers to prioritize the care and education of Indiana’s youngest citizens. Our children, families, and workforce deserve better.
