Children Matter: Proposed CA Budget Will Cut $517 Million From Early Care and Education

Eighty-five percent of the brain is developed by the age of 3 and there is solid research that access to high quality early learning experience can positively impact infants’ cognitive development. Early learning experiences provide our most vulnerable children a strong educational foundation that prepares them for elementary school while freeing their parents to work with peace of mind. While science has clearly established that learning begins at birth, the Governor’s proposed budget cuts target our most vulnerable infants, toddlers, preschoolers and families. Hearings are currently underway by the California’s Legislature on the Administration’s proposed budget. The Administration’s proposal includes a $517 million cut to early care and education, which would deny 62,000 children, including infants, toddlers and preschoolers, access to the educational foundation that is critical to their life—long success. This comes on top of more than $1 billion in funding cuts to these programs since 2008. The Administration has also proposed restructuring how these programs are provided—likely to result in more children losing access to quality early learning programs.  Click here for more details on the Governor’s budget.

On March 1st, ZERO TO THREE’s Western Office Director Tahra Goraya and partners testified before the Senate Budget Committee in opposition to the Governor’s CalWORKs and Child Care proposals. Please join us, our partners, advocates, and families on March 14th to testify before the Assembly Budget Committee to oppose the cuts.

In this difficult budget climate, it is critical that we make our voices heard and let our state representatives know it is unacceptable to ask our youngest and most vulnerable to sacrifice disproportionately. We urge you to make some time to educate legislators and their staff by attending hearings, writing, emailing, and/or calling. Contact the Governor and the Budget Committee members to express your opposition to balancing the state budget on the backs of young children. Preserving California’s investments in vulnerable young children paves the way to California’s future. Be a BIG voice for babies and toddlers!