ILLINOIS (WIFR) -- Illinois lawmakers are also trying to deal with a budget mess, and now a children’s advocacy group is asking them to make funding preschool a priority.

“Voices for Illinois Children” says our state has the worst in-state funding for public education in the country, which is why they’re urging lawmakers to focus on early childhood education. The annual kids count report found that 20,000 fewer kids enrolled in preschool over the last four years. They say that could have devastating effects as the kids enter grade school.