Women's Caucus Releases Statement on Governor's May Revision

SACRAMENTO – Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino), Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and Assemblywoman Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara), Vice Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision:

“While California began the year with great economic prospects, the state has now entered an unprecedented public health and fiscal crisis. The COVID-19 global pandemic will likely continue to impact the state’s revenues for the foreseeable future, so it’s critical that we focus on preserving our child care infrastructure while also prioritizing the state’s economic recovery. The Women’s Caucus has long recognized that child care providers and the services they provide are essential. Without child care, there will be no economic recovery.”

“During the 2008 Great Recession, California endured severe cuts in subsidized child care funding. For the following ten years, the Women’s Caucus fought to merely restore funding to pre-Great Recession levels—despite the fact that the need continued to grow tremendously. We have seen firsthand what happens to families and communities when the child care industry is decimated. That is why now, more than ever, it is critical that we preserve and make meaningful reforms to the industry. We stand by our previous letter to Governor Gavin Newsom requesting the immediate release of Federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds, an extension of the hold harmless provision, and consideration of hazard pay and reimbursement rate reform for our child care providers.”

“We thank Governor Gavin Newsom for forming a child care working group with the Legislative Women’s Caucus and we look forward to continue working with his Administration, as well as Senate and Assembly leadership. Together, we know that we will ‘meet the moment’ to get Californians back to work and children back to learning.”