SACRAMENTO -- Today, Governor Jerry Brown released his Proposed Budget for 2017-18, based on the latest revenue estimates. Assemblymember Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), Chair of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino), Vice Chair of the Caucus, released the following statements to renew their support for additional funding for state child care programs in this year’s budget.
Garcia said, “As we examine the details of the Proposed Budget in the coming days and weeks, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus has been and remains committed to prioritizing a strong investment in early care and education so children can learn and parents can work. A wise investment in early education starts at birth is an investment in children and our future workforce. We have made gains, but the reality is parents cannot find or afford child care today. We fought for and were ensured increases would be realized for increased access, and this budget does not reflect that agreement.”
Leyva said, “In a state where mothers are significant contributors in the economy, it is imperative that we ensure access to quality, affordable and accessible child care. The California Legislative Women’s Caucus is committed to ensure that proper funding is in place to help alleviate one of the many challenges that women in California face.”
A recent report released by the California Budget and Policy Center stated “in 2015, an estimated 1.5 million children from birth through age 12 were eligible for childcare, according to a Budget Center analysis of federal survey data. However, only 218,000 children were enrolled in programs that could accommodate families for more than a couple of hours per day and throughout the entire year.”