It's Earth Day Week!
"If we want to keep our planet clean and safe for years to come, we need to reduce the amount of pollution we produce and fight against climate change." Nat Geo Kids
California Update
The 2022-23 State Budget: The Need for Investments in Early Care and Education Facilities Infrastructure
The Governor's proposed 2022-23 State Budget does not include funding for Early Care and Education Education (ECE) facilities' infrastructure. Between now and June, when the final version of the budget will be approved by the Legislature and the Governor, we need to ensure that the state builds on the investments made last year to address equity gaps in improving, expanding, and sustaining the number of ECE spaces for our children.
The following are the budget requests related to ECE facilities' infrastructure that we are championing for the 2022-23 State Budget. These asks are part of this year's ECE Coalition Policy Priorities that outline the pressing need for meaningful ECE investments to benefit California’s young children and families.
$300MM for the Child Care and Development
Infrastructure Grant Program
In 2021, California allocated $250 million for the Child Care and Development Infrastructure Grant Program. Yet, the UC Berkeley Center for Cities and Schools estimates that over $10 billion in funding is required to address the ECE facilities-related needs for infants and toddlers of families in poverty in the state. Our communities need continuous public investments to ensure safe and healthy environments for all youngest learners!
Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (AD 57) is leading this budget request, which ensures a targeted, strategic, and equitable approach directed to communities and families with the greatest need. The graphic below represents an overview of how these funds would be invested.
You can find the full Fact Sheets on the Advocacy Page of our website.
$10MM for Co-Location of ECE Facilities
and Affordable Housing Projects
This budget request, led by Assemblymember Christopher Ward (AD 78), is inspired by a similar investment made by the State of Oregon to provide start-up funding for a low-interest loan and grant program that will support financing for child care facilities that are located in affordable housing projects. An initial statewide study will inform the best way to invest these funds in order to address the greatest obstacles identified. Pilot implementation in San Diego and Fresno counties will further inform program expansion.
Learn about our 2022-23 State Budget request for $300MM dedicated to the California Child Care and Development Infrastructure Grant Program. Find all of our short advocacy video clips HERE.
ECE Coalition Budget Request
As members of the ECE Coalition, we advocate for state budget investments and policies that promote equity by serving the highest-need children first, are informed by current research and promising practices, and are led by the expertise of families and ECE professionals.
Click here for the ECE Coalition's budget request letter for 2022 along with a template letter for you to raise your voice with us!
State Legislation
The Los Angeles Child Care Planning Committee and Policy Roundtable for Child Care and Development created a listwith updated information about bills of likely interest to the field of early care and education. Download the updated list here.
This month, we especially highlight the following bills sponsored by fellow members of the ECE Coalition:
Child Care in the Proposed Economic Package By the Child Care and Early Learning Coalition (CCELC) | National Women's Law Center (NWLC)
In response to the need to keep up momentum on child care and early learning at the federal level, a letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). In the letter, more than 90 leading labor groups urged the Senate to pass Senator Patty Murray’s (D-WA) child care plan via reconciliation, which would help working parents get back to work by lowering child care costs, getting families more child care options, and boosting wages for child care workers—all fully paid for by making the wealthiest pay their fair share. Please amplify these tweets: HELP Committee Democrats and Senator Patty Murray.
Upcoming Events
Build Up California Members Meeting
Join us on Thursday, April 28 at 1 PM PST!
We are hosting a meeting for our members to gather in a collective effort that will inform our advocacy strategies for the next upcoming months. Join us for hot topics such as providing feedback on the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Minor Repair and Renovation Grant Program, our efforts to include funding for ECE facilitates infrastructure in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 State Budget, and more topics! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
