Women's Caucus Leaders Release Statement on Passage of State Budget

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 issued the statement below following legislative approval of the 2020-2021 state budget:

“As California continues to face an unprecedented public health crisis and challenging economic times, we are proud of the work of both houses, their respective budget committees and legislators to ensure California’s economic promise for all.  The budget that the Legislature passed today is a reflection of our values—and it is clear that it values women.  It rightly rejects the proposed 10% rate reduction to child care providers and provides for positive triggers when federal funding becomes available so that Californians can reenter the workforce while making sure that their children will be cared for properly and safely. Make no mistake about it: Without child care, there will be no lasting economic recovery.”

“As women legislators that have fought for many years to protect and expand access to child care for California families, we now look to Governor Newsom to sign a budget that does not cut vital funding from the child care industry, which is made up primarily of women of color.  Just as the Governor’s budget proposal did not seek to cut the pay of the lowest compensated state employees, so too should child care workers—who make considerably less than the vast majority of state workers—not have to have their pay cut when they provide such an essential service for families and workers across California.”

“Governor Newsom, we—and millions of women across our state—call on you to sign a feminist budget for all Californians.”

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