Pence rejects $80 million, four-year grant for pilot pre-K programs

He defended that decision Friday after Democrats attacked him for fumbling the ball on the issue.

“It is important not to allow the lure of federal grant dollars to define our state’s mission and programs,” the governor said in a statement.

“More federal dollars do not necessarily equal success, especially when those dollars come with requirements and conditions that will not help – and may even hinder – running a successful program of our own making,” Pence said.

Indiana had sent a notice of intent to apply for a federal Preschool Development grant in September. According to the U.S. Department of Education website, Indiana was eligible for up to $20 million a year with a possible four-year project period.

But Pence sent a letter to the Early Learning Advisory Commission on Wednesday saying he would not allow Indiana to apply after months of work had gone into seeking the grant.

He alluded to possible strings on federal money but gave no examples.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, said it was imprudent to reject the money because of fear of some speculative pitfalls and unproven objectives that may be attached to them.