TOPEKA – A Kansas House committee has recommended cutting all funding for the Parents as Teachers program, which would end the program.
The House Social Services Budget Committee on Tuesday recommended cutting $7.2 million for the program, which has staff members visit homes to help parents prepare students for school and connect to community resources. The organization is scheduled to celebrate its 25th anniversary next week.
The Hutchinson News reports Rep. Peggy Mast of Emporia, a Republican, proposed the action as part of the state’s response to a multimillion dollar budget shortfall.
Nancy Keel, director of the Kansas Parents as Teachers, says she was caught off guard by the proposal. But she notes lawmakers have tried to end the program in the past and funding was always restored.
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