Now is not the time for budget cuts, underfunding of services, or harmful reprogramming of subsidy dollars that could emaciate our early childhood systems. Such actions would only hinder the District’s economic recovery.
Now is not the time for budget cuts, underfunding of services, or harmful reprogramming of subsidy dollars that could emaciate our early childhood systems. Such actions would only hinder the District’s economic recovery.
Earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled an updated COVID-19 recovery plan that includes $57 billion in emergency funding for child care. Fortunately for the District of Columbia, the new package also includes an additional $755 million to correct its CARES Act misclassification.
Collectively, today’s funding commitments provide educators, parents, and businesses with some reassurance that the financial viability of the child care sector will be preserved but fails to meet the need to ensure the District does not lose up to 6,500 child care spots.
As policymakers make choices about what to prioritize in a time of economic downturn, we urge DC Council to keep home visiting, uncut, in DC’s FY 2021 budget.