More low-income children will soon have access to pre-kindergarten in Washington.

Ballmer Group is putting up $170 million per year for the next 10 years for the state’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which provides free preschool to 3- and 4-year-olds.

Governor Bob Ferguson held a joint press conference with Ballmer Group and state officials on Wednesday morning to make the announcement.

Ferguson said this help comes during a very challenging economic time.

“Obviously, we’re experiencing significant budget challenges, and that’s an understatement,” Ferguson said at Wednesday’s press conference. “That’s what makes this announcement so wonderful and so transformative…in the face of that as a state, not simply be treading water in trying our best to maintain

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