By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
Barren Inc. joined with 42 other Kentucky chambers of commerce in endorsing the Pre-K For All Initiative.
“Barren Inc…support[s] Governor Beshear’s Pre-K for All initiative and other efforts that expand access to high-quality early childhood education because increasing access to affordable, reliable early learning helps more parents re-enter the workforce and supports employee stability — meeting the needs of our local businesses and industries while strengthening our community for the long term,” President and Chief Executive Officer of Barren Inc Maureen Carpenter told Glasgow News 1.
The endorsement came in the form of a letter addressed to Kentucky’s senators and representatives “urging” their support for the initiative that would “expand Kentucky’s voluntary publicly-funded preschool program.”
“Our families and local businesses cannot wait,” the letter stated. “We urge the General Assembly to make expanding Pre-K access for all Kentucky four-year-olds a top priority in the 2026 Budget Session. Together, we can build a stronger, more competitive Kentucky with Pre-K for All.”
Governor Andy Beshear publicly announced the initiative on June 4. Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd and Cave City Mayor Dwayne Hatcher have also endorsed Pre-K For All.
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