RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is proposing nearly $100 million in new funding to help at-risk preschoolers.

Northam announced Tuesday that his budget proposal for the upcoming legislative session includes a proposed $94.8 million in new funding for early education efforts.

Passing a two-year state spending plan will be a top priority for the General Assembly during the 2020 session.

Virginia currently ranks in the bottom third of states when it comes to investment in early childhood education.

According to the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program, almost half of Virginia children enter kindergarten without the basic skills needed to succeed in school.

During last month’s legislative elections, voters gave Democrats full control of the General Assembly for the first time in a generation.

The governor is expected to share full details of his budget plan next week.