Our CCPU Bargaining Team met with the state on Thursday, February 13th, to continue bargaining over financial assistance for fire-affected providers who are still recovering and rebuilding and unable to reopen to support families in their communities.
Rather than receiving support, we were met with further disappointment and a lack of respect for our profession. Governor Newsom has the opportunity to support family child care providers at this moment, but all we seem to hear is a resounding NO! NO! NO!
- NO assistance for child care providers affected by the fires!
- NO extension on state payments that were keeping providers going while they recovered and rebuilt!
- NO on all our emergency proposals!
According to the state, providers have access to resources and assistance, but we know from our union siblings that they have been denied aid by FEMA, the SBA, and other business support programs due to their low income. And 30 days is not enough time to find and open a new facility. The most recent executive order issued by Governor Newsom does not extend payments that expired on February 6th, nor does it give providers any real benefits.
How can family child care providers serve working families in our community when we lack the necessary support to reopen and serve them? These families rely on our care, and we want to resume our services, but we cannot do so without assistance from the state. Family child care providers are essential to our state’s recovery, yet we’re being ignored and left to deal with these challenges on our own.
Urge Governor Newsom to show some heart for child care providers!
Call Gov. Newsom here to express the urgent need for immediate support. Your voice matters—let him know that we need assistance right away, and families in California depend on our care!
If you’ve already made a call, do it again! Get 3 more providers or families to call today, too,and ask them how it went.
Important: Make sure to make your call during regular business hours – Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.