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On Friday, leaders in both houses of the Legislature announced a budget deal with Governor Newsom. The agreed-upon budget (AB/SB-129) includes on-going funding for meals served in child care and early education programs. California Assemblymembers and Senators passed the bill on Monday. It now heads to the Governor's desk for his signature. He is expected to sign the bill before the close of the week.

We applaud Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Chair Nancy Skinner, Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon for advocating this historic investment towards ending child hunger among our youngest learners. We also thank Senators Becker, Hurtado and Limón for helping champion the funding. Most of all we thank our nutrition, anti-hunger, and child care providers for keeping up the fight!

Deal includes $15 million in on-going funding for child care meals

The budget bill includes $15 million in on-going funding for meals served in child care and early education programs and provides a cost of living adjustment for the program. This action will bring the state meal match to child care meals, something advocates have long pushed for. The budget bill also includes funding for new child care spaces, updates the reimbursement rates for child care providers, waives family fees, and provides additional COVID-relief funds. While these are major wins, additional details will follow as budget trailer bills. Trailer Bill Language is the implementing language of the California State Budget Bill. We are hopeful the Trailer Bill Language will include emergency COVID relief funding for child care meals in addition to the $15 million in on-going funding.