With Gov. Phil Murphy’s annual state budget address less than a week away, he’s doubling down on some of his previous spending priorities. Wednesday, Murphy visited a South Brunswick elementary school to announce $120 million in grants that’ll expand access to full-day preschool throughout the state. The money comes from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and it marks the first time funds like this will go to expand programs in regularly operating school districts.
The administration also recently awarded about $11 million to 16 school districts so they can create or expand their preschool programming. Another 33 districts will get start-up funding to ensure more free access for kids. The administration says since taking office, preschool programs have been introduced in over 160 school districts, opening seats for more than 12,000 more children.
