Recently, the introduction of Assembly Bill 194 was made. It is a bill that recognizes the benefits of quality early care and education in a child’s life by providing funding and access for childcare services.
“Today Governor Newsom revealed his proposal to increase funding and access to childcare and as our State Budget is a statement of priorities, the Governor has clearly shown that California’s families are going to be a priority for our state.” Assemblymember Reyes continued, “I introduced AB 194 to coordinate and build on the Governor’s proposal by requiring a $1 billion dollar investment in our state’s children and families in the form of expanded access to childcare. I look forward to collaborating with Governor Newsom to make California a national leader in expanding access to quality childcare.”
California has 1.2 million children who are eligible for state subsidized childcare, but are unable to access that care. AB 194 provides that it is the intent of the Legislature to appropriate $1 billion to immediately improve access to subsidized childcare for the state’s eligible children and families in need, contingent upon the appropriation of sufficient funding in the annual state Budget. Mounting research shows that high-quality early care and education programs equip young children with the social, emotional, and cognitive skills they need to be ready to enter kindergarten and have a bright future. Assemblymember Reyes is a member of the Assembly Blue Ribbon Commission on Early Childhood Education which is tasked with planning an early learning system that works for children, families and providers.