U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono introduced a bill Friday to help children get a good start in elementary school by ensuring that states take into account the needs of preschoolers in charting their education plans.

"It’s a bipartisan bill, which is a challenge these days," said Hirono, who teamed up with another Democrat and two Republicans to introduce the legislation, which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

"Without spending any additional taxpayer dollars, this bipartisan legislation helps our keiki enter school ready to learn and increases their success in the early years," said Hirono, a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. "That early success puts our students on the path to graduate and compete for the best jobs."