“Our child won the lottery.” 

            The subject was not gambling.  (That hearing is tomorrow.)

            The witness’s child had won a lottery to gain admission to a free pre-kindergarten education in a Prince Georges County public school.

            The bill was mine. 

            House Bill 1241 would make a full-day program available for four-year olds whose parents’ income is below a certain level.  A half-day program would be offered to other children.

             No one disputes that high quality pre-school class time brings long-term benefits. 

            But how do you pay for it?  

            The first-year cost of my legislation is $108 million. 

            Tomorrow is the hearing on a potential source of money – table games at the state’s slots parlors.