Colorado Gov. Polis proposes full-day kindergarten funding

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wants to use better-than-expected tax revenue to implement free full-day kindergarten.

Polis released a budget request Tuesday that includes $227 million so that all school districts can offer full-day kindergarten or stop charging families for it. He said many families pay up to $500 a month to enroll their children.

Polis told reporters it's the top priority of his new administration and wants to make it available by this fall. The Democrat also insisted the plan is not a mandate for either parents or school districts.

Lawmakers must approve the request and enabling legislation.