Today, in response to the release of California Senate Democrats Budget Blueprint for Fiscal Year 2021-22, Max Arias, Chairman of Child Care Providers United, released the following statement:
“Early education workers have been organizing for more than a decade, fighting for working parents, their children’s future, and their own families’ ability to thrive. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the weakness in our child care infrastructure. Today’s Senate Democrat Blueprint recognizes our efforts and the need for a well-funded and supported child care industry, building toward a universal system for children ages 0-3.
“Child Care Providers United is pleased to see Senate Democrats, pro Tem Toni Atkins and Budget Chair Nancy Skinner, recognize that California’s recovery is counting on us. With 200,000 additional child care slots for working families, increased wages for child care providers, and more training opportunities, the Senate Democrats’ Budget Blueprint takes major steps towards stabilizing child care.
“Millions of children eligible for state subsidies were falling through the cracks even before COVID-19 devastated child care providers and forced the closure of 6,000 home-based child care businesses, the majority owned by women of color. We are appreciative of the first steps identified in the Senate Democrats’ plan and look forward to continue working with the legislature to establish a more equitable, high-quality child care system for all.