with Governor Murphy's annual state budget address less than a week away he's doubling down on some of his previous spending priorities today visiting a South Brunswick Elementary School to announce 120 million dollars in Grants that will expand access to full day preschool throughout the state now the money comes from the federal American Rescue plan act and it marks the first time funds like this will go to expand programs at regularly operating school districts the administration also recently awarded about 11 million dollars to 16 school districts so they can create or expand their preschool programming another 33 districts will get startup funding to ensure more free access for kids the administration says since taking office Governor Murphy has expanded preschool programs to over 160 school districts opening seats for more than twelve thousand children another 16 districts including right here in South Brunswick have open their doors to high quality full day Pre-K programs in their community and again importantly free of charge on March 1st which is next week the Department of Education will launch a 120 million dollar grant funding opportunities from federal American Rescue plan funds for preschool facility expansion [Music]