Child Care Update from ACCA- Your calls still needed!
"The Governor's top staff met with legislators individually and in groups today to present a proposal on "Legislative Appropriation of Federal Stimulus Funds for Child Care Assistance". The Governor proposes to use $18.2 million of federal stimulus funds to "backfill" the cuts to child care and therefore prevent the reductions for DES child care from being implemented. This is very positive news for low income working parents and providers. The Governor seeks to restore the program to to what was in place prior to January 31st (we think and hope that means no waiting list, no rate reductions and no increased co-payments). The Governor's proposal emphasizes that it does not expand the child care program - a distinction is important because there were significant legislative concerns about program expansion after the First Things First announcement of plans to fund scholarships.
It is clear from my discussions with the Governor's staff that she totally "gets it". The Governor understands the impact on children, parents, teachers and staff, providers and the economy. The Governor's proposal notes that if there is not legislative support for her proposal, DES needs to send the letters notifying parents of the cuts. It is very important that we completely support the Governor's proposal to restore the Child Care program. There are details to be worked out, for example, the original need for stimulus funding was $24 million and the Governor's staff believe that 50% of the First Things First scholarship recipients will be children previously receiving DES assistance. But we will absolutely acknowledge the Governor's incredible leadership to restore the child care in this incredibly difficult political environment.
Please continue to make contact with key Republican legislators and insist on their support for the immediate use of the federal funds for child care"