SPRINGFIELD - Illinois is winning kudos for expanding pre-kindergarten programs, but the state's ongoing budget woes could take a toll on future efforts.

In a study released this week, Illinois ranked first in the nation for providing programs for 3-year-olds and 12th nationally in providing access to 4-year-olds.

The study, published by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University, also showed Illinois meeting most academic benchmarks for preschoolers.

The state began pumping more money into early childhood education in 2006 with an eye on allowing access to all children whose families want them in pre-kindergarten programs by the 2011 fiscal year.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has proposed boosting spending for education by $300 million in the upcoming fiscal year. That amount would be the smallest increase in recent years and would cover not just preschool expansions, but money for elementary and high school districts.

It's not clear whether lawmakers will increase that number because the state already is facing an estimated deficit of at least $750 million.

State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, said it's too early to tell exactly how state finances will affect funding for preschool programs. But he said Democrats who control the General Assembly may look to increase taxes or refinance the state's employee pension obligations to get more money.

Rose said he'd rather see the state limit it's spending.

"I just don't see the will of the ruling majority to do that though," Rose said.

Jerry Stermer, president of Voices for Illinois Children, thinks lawmakers will find a way to keep improving preschool programs.

"We're hearing a lot of interest in significant funding growth to keep pace with the vision of preschool for all," Stermer said.