INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Thursday, Governor Mike Pence signed into law Indiana's first state funding for pre-K, HEA 1004. Governor Pence's office released the following in regard to the law:

“When it comes to helping our Hoosier kids reach their full potential, early education can make the difference between a lifetime of success and a lifetime of trying to catch up,” said Governor Pence. “Today is an historic moment in our state as we begin a new chapter of Indiana education to help young Hoosiers succeed in school, in the workforce, and in life.”

HEA 1004 provides funding for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to administer a five-county, voluntary Early Education Pilot Program that will help approximately 1,500 Hoosier children from low-income families attend the public or private pre-kindergarten of their choice. Prior to this legislation, Indiana was the only state in the Midwest and one of nine states in the nation not providing state funds for pre-kindergarten.