Topeka ? Gov. Sam Brownback is preparing to propose that the state pick up the additional cost of providing all-day kindergarten in Kansas public schools.

The Republican governor says in an interview Monday that his plan would be to increase state support over five years at a cost of $16 million a year.

Currently the state pays for half-day kindergarten but allows districts to have all-day classes using other funding sources, including funds appropriated for at-risk students.

Brownback says he has had talks with school districts and state education officials about the proposal, which he says has broad support. The State Board of Education has made all-day kindergarten one of its budget requests for the past several years.