State and Federal Legislative and Policy Updates Alameda County Early Care and Education Planning Council April 17, 2015
Overview --Updates 1. State Budget Update 2. Federal Update 3. Local Updates (Oakland)
Budget Hearings are Under Way On Tuesday, Budget Subcommittees met to consider the Governor’s ece proposals A group of statewide advocacy groups has requested: Access Increase 4,000 preschool increase from last year by 10,500 slots starting in June, 2015 Add 10,500 infant and toddler spots
Statewide Advocates Request Rate and COLA increase SRR and infant and toddler “multiplier” RMR ceiling so families can access 85% of programs Quality increase Expand $50 million QRIS block grant from last year to infant and toddler providers Create statewide ECE community college workgroup for CCC quality and alignment to lay foundation for CTC ECE permit matrix and credential recommendation
Statewide Advocates Request Quality in all Settings, Continued Prepare for CCDBG Requirements Increase funding for annual inspections Create alternative models for meeting inspection requirements for license exempt programs General Fund support for these efforts and not CCDF quality funds
Federal A grandmother and tireless children’s advocate is running for President of the United States for the Democratic ticket!
Local ECE Related Activity Packard Oakland Starting Smart and Strong Strategy includes support for Quality Rating and Improvement assessment at ece programs Bay Area Health Inequities Initiative is focusing on early childhood issues Bay Area wide Natalie will reach 25 centers this year and Kim is working with Green Ambassadors