The State Budgetand Investments in Early Care and Education Facilities: Funds from Department of Forestry
We just got the news that the state allocated $100 Million to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for grants to local educational agencies and nonprofit childcare facilities receiving government funding. These grants will be distributed for projects consistent with the Urban Forestry Act that are located within school sites or properties used by childcare facilities that reduce the ambient temperature, including by supporting the urban forest, provided that no less than 30 percent of these funds shall be available for grants to nonprofit child care facilities receiving government funding.
Join us at our next Members' meeting on Thursday, September 28, to learn more and to give input on our advocacy platform for 2023! You can start by answering our survey about what should be our focus next year.
Child Care in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program By the National Children's Facilities Network (NCFN) and Association for Children and Families (ACF)
On August 16, President Biden signed a sweeping $700 billion climate, tax, and health care package, the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376). The new law is much narrower than President Biden’s initial $3.5 trillion proposal, the Build Back Better (BBB) Act, and does not include investments in child care and early learning.
Last month, President Biden also announced an estimated 175,000 borrowers would be eligible to have up to $10 billion total in student loan debt forgiven under the revamped Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) process.
The Department of Education announced major changes to the PSLF program for a limited time due to the COVID-19 national emergency, which resulted in financial hardship for many, including members of the early care and education (ECE) workforce. If you work for a qualified employer -including many Head Start, preschool, and child care programs- you may now be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness for your important public service, even if you were not eligible before.For more information, including how to qualify and apply, click here. The limited waiver opportunity will be offered until October 31st, 2022.
The Wage Gap
Addressing Equal Pay for Women
FAIR PLAY inspires a more equitable future for all by taking a deep look at domestic inequity and making the invisible care work historically held by women visible.
"Nationally, the majority of women between ages 18 and 64 work and 1 in 4 working women, roughly 15.5 million, have a child under the age of 14 at home. American mothers bring in 40 percent or more of their families’ income. This means that the wage gap impacts their entire households which rely heavily on their wages to make ends meet and build economic stability."
- California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
LEARN MORE >> Mother's Equal Pay Day 2022 | Find articles, reports, research and more data on mothers in the workforce and economic equity
TAKE ACTION >> Send an Email to Governor Newsom and CA legislators to sign SB 1162, the Pay Transparency for Pay Equity Act
SAVE THE DATEFOR ADVOCACY ACTION
On these days, Equal Rights Advocates will be raising awareness about the wage gap experienced by women and disproportionately moms of color. Get ready to amplify how pay discrimination shows up in the workplace!
Now that the 2022-23 State Budget is behind us, it is time to regroup and plan our advocacy efforts for next year! Join us on September 28th to learn how we can can advocate for climate resilient ECE facilities and the an opportunity to provide live feedback on our advocacy platform for 2023! The planned agenda includes: