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Lawmakers are working to reach a deal on a government spending bill that includes funding for federal early learning & care programs. We are hopeful that Congress will build on recent progress and provide crucial increases for these programs. Here’s where things stand:
In July, the House passed a government funding bill that included more than $275 million in increases for early learning programs like #PDGB5, #HeadStart and CCDBG. https://www.ffyf.org/house-appropriations-subcommittee-provides-critical-funding-increases-for-federal-early-childhood-education-programs-child-care/
Last month, the Senate released its FY2021 funding proposal which included at least $175 million in increases for federal #ECE programs. https://www.ffyf.org/senate-fy2021-funding-bill-includes-increases-to-federal-early-learning-programs/
In #2020 there was a significant increase in the number of lawmakers who signed onto letters supporting #ECE funding, including 47 Republicans. https://www.ffyf.org/overwhelming-support-in-congress-urging-appropriators-to-prioritize-early-learning-and-care-funding/
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle consistently tout the tremendous benefits of the federal #ECE programs like #CCDBG, highlighting the importance of bipartisanship to the program’s continued success. https://www.ffyf.org/republicans-and-democrats-in-congress-speak-out-for-child-care-and-development-block-grant-ccdbg-program/
In addition to increases to the federal early learning and care programs, Congress must provide significant financial relief to stabilize the #childcare industry amid the pandemic. Here’s why both are so important. https://www.ffyf.org/understanding-the-importance-and-connection-between-early-learning-care-appropriations-funding-and-emergency-stabilization-funding/
At the end of the day, it is crucial that lawmakers provide increases to these essential federal early learning and care programs. And Congress cannot adjourn until it passes emergency pandemic relief to #SaveChildCare.
There are reports that Congress is considering passing another short-term continuing resolution - likely for 1 week - to give lawmakers more time to negotiate the funding bill. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as they happen.
