Governor Jerry Brown released his FY17-18 budget at the beginning of January. The budget offers some support for families struggling to make ends meet through California’s earned income tax credit, an increase in the minimum wage, implementation of last summer’s repeal of the Maximum Family Grant for public aid recipients, and expansion of health care coverage.
But there are also some major concerns. For instance, as of January 1, 2017, via the increase in the minimum wage with no change in policy proposed, parents and providers will be harmed. A two parent household with both parents earning minimum wage will no longer be eligible for a child care subsidy. If our families can’t afford child care and are unable to work, our whole economy suffers.
What can you do? – Make your voice heard!
We are asking for organizations and individuals to sign on to a letter showing our support of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus’s (CLWC) priority to fund child care and hold the Administration to their promise of continued funding.
Budget hearings have already begun. Send in your support as soon as possible.
Click here to read CLWC press statement on the budget.
Click here to sign on and send your logo.
This week representatives from Monterey County will be in Sacramento to meet with local legislators about early childhood in Monterey County. They will be reminding the legislators about the need for greater support in the budget and with policies that support Monterey County children and families especially the need for more, quality childcare in Monterey County.
You can read more on early childhood in the Governor’s budget on the First 5 Monterey County blog. Stay tuned for more updates and action items in the next couple of weeks.