That's why we're providing comprehensive health care to children up to age 19. We're also making child care readily available to working families. Since we enacted my Starting Right legislation 2 years ago, our investment in child care has more than tripled. We have increased provider rates, and the number of children in our state's child care program has more than doubled since 1995. This year we will be enhancing this important program to provide more intensive services to at-risk children.
Some people believe that education begins in kindergarten.
I believe it begins soon after a child is born. That's why we have placed such an emphasis on early childhood programs. Quality child care gives children the start they need to succeed in the classroom. It's also a crucial component of education reform. I saw firsthand how my children benefited from early childhood education.