H.B. 935: NC Pre-K Law Changes, filed this week, would change the definition of an 'at-risk' child for purposes of the NC Pre-K program, cutting the maximum income level more than in half. Currently, children in families of four making less than $51,000 are eligible; the new bill would change the cut-off to 100 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $22,000 for a family of four. Advocates are reporting that could cut the number of children eligible for NC Pre-K at least by a third. Children with disabilities and children in military families would still qualify for the program, but limited English proficiency would no longer be an eligibility factor. The move is likely being made in response to Judge Howard Manning's ruling that NC is constitutionally obligated to provide free Pre-K to all at-risk children. This bill would drastically lower the number of children who must be enrolled -- and thus the state's financial obligation -- by changing the definition of "at-risk." The bill also makes changes to the make-up of the Child Care Commission. 

State Budget Update

Senator Brunstetter, the Senate's senior budget chair, has said that the Senate budget will not be released until mid-May. Appropriations Committees are currently waiting on updated revenue numbers -- to be released next week -- and for the Finance Committee to finish work on tax reform plans. The House budget will come out after the Senate budget this year.