3.13.2014 On March 11th, the Assembly Budget Committee held a Joint Hearing for Subcommittees #1 (Health and Human Services) and #2 (Education Finance) to discuss early childhood education (ECE). Testimony included presentations from ECE experts – including researchers, advocates, and parents – about the past, present, and future of early education in California. In partnership with the Child Care Food Program Roundtable and others, we were able to propose ECE nutrition as an opportunity for future investments. Specifically, CFPA is advocating for $0.2229 to be reimbursed to ECE providers for each free and reduced-price breakfast and lunch served through the Child and Adult Care Food Program, similar to our state’s investment in k-12 meals. On Thursday, April 10th, the Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Subcommittees #1 (Education) and #3 (HHS) will hold a similar Joint Hearing about California’s ECE system.
The Assembly’s Joint Hearing was a great opportunity to bring attention to ECE nutrition investments. Much more support is needed to continue building on this momentum. Organizations, groups, and individuals are urged to speak out about why ECE nutrition is important to you and your community! Get in touch with your legislators today, especially if they serve on the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees. (See committee information below.)
Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee
Chair Mark Leno (San Francisco)
Subcommittee #1 Education
Chair Marty Block (San Diego)
Carol Liu (La Canada Flintridge)
Mark Wyland (Escondido)
Subcommittee #3 Health & Human Services
Chair Ellen Corbett (Hayward)
William Monning (Carmel)
Mimi Walters (Laguna Nigel)
Assembly Budget Committee
Chair Nancy Skinner (Berkeley)
Subcommittee #1 Health & Human Services
Chair Shirley Weber (San Diego)
Wesley Chesboro (Arcata)
Roger Dickinson (Sacramento)
Shannon Grove (Bakersfield)
Allan Mansoor (Costa Mesa)
Subcommittee #2 Education Finance
Chair Al Muratsuchi (Torrance)
Rocky Chávez (Oceanside)
Matthew Dababneh (Encino)
Brian Nestande (Palm Desert)
Philip Ting (San Francisco)
