Final negotiations for California's 2021-22 budget are happening now and child care is on the table! Make a call today - RIGHT NOW - to ensure these historic investments in our child care system don't get chopped. Policymakers need to hear from you that child care and CACFP matter!
What's on the Table?
The Legislature agreed to the following:
$33 million in one-time "COVID relief" funding to support meal service costs incurred during the pandemic
Ongoing reimbursement of $0.25 for breakfast and lunch served in child care through CACFP
200,000 slots for working families toward universal access for ages 0 to 3
A child care worker apprenticeship/training program.
Reduced cost to working families by reducing/eliminating family fees.
Increased rates to achieve livable wage for child care workers.
Stabilizing and retaining providers as the state emerges from the pandemic
Who's at the Table?
In these final days (maybe hours) negotiations turn to the Governor, the Senate President pro tempore (Toni Atkins, D-San Diego), and the Assembly Speaker (Anthony Rendon, D-Los Angeles) to reach final agreement.
What You Can Do:
Call the Governor's as soon as you are able and let him know that child care and CACFP matter. Dial (916) 445-2841. You can say,
"I support the Legislature's child care proposal, including one-time COVID relief funds to cover increased costs of meal service during the pandemic, ongoing funding to support the cost of serving meals in child care, and better pay rates for child care providers."
If you live in or serve San Diego county, also call Senator Atkins. Dial (916) 651-4039
If you live in or serve Los Angeles county, also call Speaker Rendon. Dial (916) 651-4039.
You can say,
"Thank you for including child care and CACFP in the Legislature's budget. Child care and healthy meals in child care matter. As you negotiate the final budget with the Governor, please continue fight for the Legislature's child care proposal, including one-time COVID relief funds to cover increased costs of meal service during the pandemic, ongoing funding to support the cost of serving meals in child care, and better pay rates for child care providers."
Amplify your voice by sharing on social media and asking your friends and colleagues to make the call today too!
Now is the time to make your voice heard! Child Care and CACFP Matter!
Questions? elyse@ccfproundtable.org
The CACFP Roundtable is committed to fostering a community of leaders who work together to build equitable access to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and nutritious meals in care settings. Your support goes toward programs and advocacy that help us get closer to ensuring everyone has the right to nutritious meals and making the CACFP an even better Food Program for all.
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