Universal Pre-K at Risk of 90% Cut | Cleveland News

Cuyahoga County’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten program, a lifeline for thousands of families, faces a potential 90% cut unless voters approve a critical levy increase this fall. Funded by the Health and Human Services levy—which is struggling under rising costs and new responsibilities—the program supports early education vital to children’s long-term success and helps parents afford care that can cost up to $24,000 annually for two kids. With a proposed $111 million boost, the levy could not only preserve the program but expand it to include children from birth to age five. For families like one grandmother juggling caregiving and finances after her husband’s injury, the stakes are personal: without this support, she may lose her job or be forced to choose between work and her grandchildren’s care. County Executive Chris Ronayne calls early education essential infrastructure—either a key workforce tool or a barrier to opportunity—and the upcoming vote could decide its future. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c50a9a6085035db5