For Immediate Release
March 29, 2000 
Contact: Mark Pfeiffer or Channell Barbour or
    Kim Townley (502) 564-2611

Governor’s Early Childhood Initiative Makes it Through Legislature without a Dissenting Vote

FRANKFORT, KY. -  The Kentucky House and Senate last night made it unanimous in approving HB 706, the legislation that creates a multi-faceted program to provide for the education and healthy development of Kentucky’s youngest citizens.

While Governor Patton brought the issue to the forefront by making early childhood development a priority of the second term of his administration, the Governor acknowledges that HB 706, the KIDS NOW initiative, truly belongs to the people of Kentucky. 

“This is an historic first step toward the responsibility we have to helping families and communities make sure that each and every child reaches their full potential in the first few years of life,” Governor Patton said.  “This is not Paul Patton‘s bill.  This piece of legislation addresses a segment of our society that has been underserved.  Now as a result our children, families, and our Commonwealth will benefit for generations to come.”

As HB 706 worked its way through the legislative process, legislators from both chambers studied the research, listened to parents, child advocates, and citizens at large about the importance of early childhood. 

“Congratulations are in order for all involved, from the members of the Early Childhood Task Force chaired by my daughter Nicki, to the parents and child advocates and experts who helped us study the issue, to the legislators for their courage and leadership in standing up for Kentucky’s youngest citizens.”

Governor Patton is scheduled to sign HB 706 into law Tuesday, April 4^th at 11:15 a.m. Capitol Rotunda.

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