East Central Reporter

State Representative Brad Halbrook has raised questions about the funding details of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s universal preschool plan, specifically the details of how Pritzker’s latest budget request of an additional $150 million would be spent. 

“I got the numbers from staff,” Halbrook said in a press release. “In Illinois we spend over $900 million just on preschool which according to the Governor’s budget address services 82,000 children. That is an average cost of $11,609.”

“Then, in his budget address, Gov. Pritzker said he wants an additional $150 million to provide 5,000 more children with preschool,” Halbrook said. “Did anyone do the math on that? It comes out to $30,000 per child – for preschool.”

Pritzker has launched his “Smart Start” initiative as part of his plan to have universal preschool for all 3 and 4 year olds in Illinois by 2027. The Smart Start program received a $250 million funding for FY 2024. 

In total, the state spent $4.4 billion in early childhood appropriations throughout FY2024.

“We need to get this right for our children, parents, and taxpayers,” Halbrook said. “Just throwing money at something is not the answer. Regardless, I don’t know of any preschool worth $30,000 per child.”

Halbrook was born in Pana, Illinois. He attended Lake Land College. Before being elected as state representative for the 107th district in 2023, Halbrook served in the 110th district from 2012 until 2015. 

Halbrook and his wife Linda have two children and one grandchild. They live in Shelbyville.