The #WageGap contributes to the long-term economic insecurity of women & families. By earning only 84 cents for every $1 a man makes, full time, year-round working women lose up to $400k over the course of their careers. We need #EqualPay now!
California Update
State Budget Update 2023-2024
Build Up California will focus our advocacy efforts this year on a State Budget ask of $10MM to continue funding the Infrastructure Grant Program. This ask supports the ECE Coalitions' advocacy efforts in providing a 25% increase to current rates, adopting an alternative rate reimbursement methodology using a cost estimation model, and includes an implementation timeline for the true cost of care based on program enrollment without charging families' fees which will ensure families have equitable access to numerous ECE options that meet their needs. We are also advocating for allocating all 200,000 child care spaces scheduled to be released in 2023-2024 in order to be able to provide families with spaces today and not have a delay in enrolling new families. On Tuesday, March 21st we attended the Senate Subcommittee 3 Hearing and gave public comment in support of the ECE Coalition priorities.
Build Up CA has also recently signed on as a supporter of AB 596 (Reyes) Early Childhood: child care and education bill. If passed, this bill will require that methodology around cost-based models be updated regularly to account for rising costs in care. Additionally, it will require CDE and CDSS to suspend family fees until an equitable sliding scale for the payment of family fees is established. Finally, AB 596 requires that providers are paid based on the number of children enrolled in their programs instead of attendance. You can follow a short list of bills and more on CAPPA's website. For a comprehensive list of bills of interest, visit CAPPA's State Legislation page by clickinghere.
As we move forward in this legislative year, we will continue to elevate the voices of providers and find ways to build more bridges with partners to create a system that better serves the families of California.
Federal Update
Budget and Appropriations 2023-24 By the National Children Facilities Network (NCFN)
The FY 2024 appropriations are officially underway. Congressional offices are accepting feedback on programmatic priorities, and earlier this month President Biden released his budget for Fiscal Year 2024. In the upcoming months, the House and Senate will hold committee hearings to consider their respective appropriations bills. Budget negotiations will likely be contentious as Republicans are pushing to cut non-defense discretionary spending. Congress will once again be accepting earmark applications from constituents as part of their annual appropriations spending bills. Earmarks (now called Community Project Funding in the House and Congressionally Directed Spending in the Senate) allow members of Congress to direct federal dollars to organizations and projects in their districts or states. If you are interested in engaging a Member of Congress for an earmark, consult the House or Senate FY 2024 Member Request Guidance to learn more about the process and visit the website of the targeted congressional leader.
Upcoming Events
Build Up California Best Practices Spotlight Join us on Tuesday, March 28 at 1 PM
Join us for Build Up California's first Best Practices Spotlight of the year! Each spotlight is an example of successful strategies working to equitably expand, improve, and sustain early care and education facilities throughout the state of California. Next week, we will learn from the work of our partners in San Mateo County:
Build Up San Mateo County | An Initiative to Grow and Improve the Supply of Early Care and Education Facilities in San Mateo County.
San Mateo County Family Child Care | The San Mateo County Family Childcare Organization is committed to providing quality support, mentorship and resources for all Family Child Care Providers.
