Clinton Proposes Pre-Kindergarten For All 4-Year-Olds

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Senator Clinton is proposing a $10 billion federal program aimed at providing voluntary pre-kindergarten for all 4-year-old children in America. "Our educational system needs to be strengthened from start to finish, but we have to start where it all begins," Mrs. Clinton told an audience of children, teachers, and parents yesterday.

Mrs. Clinton said she would pay for the program by closing tax loopholes and eliminating Bush administration programs she disagrees with. "There are so many places to cut the money that is being spent in this government. Let's start by cutting 500,000 of the private contractors the Bush administration has had who don't do a job that is held accountable in any way,"

Mrs. Clinton said, adding that ending the Iraq war will also provide money for investing in programs. She said quality pre-kindergarten programs will more than pay for themselves.