A broad coalition of local chambers of commerce from across Kentucky has formally called on the state legislature to adopt Pre‑K for All, an initiative to provide publicly funded preschool to every 4-year-old in the Commonwealth.
The call came in a letter submitted December 4, representing dozens of business organizations.
The signatories argue that universal pre-K is not just an education measure, but a vital economic investment. By making early childhood education more accessible, they say, the plan would give children a stronger start for kindergarten and beyond — while helping parents return to work, reducing childcare costs, and ultimately boosting Kentucky’s workforce and economy. According to estimates referenced by supporters, parents could see an increase of nearly $9,000 per year and save roughly $7,000 annually on out-of-pocket childcare costs.
The letter points out that today only about 27 % of Kentucky’s 4-year-olds have access to public pre-K.
Among the endorsing chambers are several from western and southwestern Kentucky — including the Ballard County Chamber of Commerce, Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, Kentucky Lake (Marshall County) Chamber of Commerce, Mayfield–Graves County Chamber of Commerce, and Logan County Chamber of Commerce.
Supporters say the time to act is now, in order to make early childhood education a cornerstone of Kentucky’s economic recovery and long-term growth. The letter urges lawmakers to make expanding pre-K access a top priority in the 2026 budget session.
