July 18, 2021 - SACRAMENTO – Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) released the following statement after the California State Senate passed trailer bill legislation related to child care rate reform:

“For three years now, I have been fighting for child care reimbursement rate reform in California.  I am ecstatic that we have reached a critical milestone in making a truly impactful and long-term investment in California’s child care workforce and industry that will certainly benefit children, women, families and businesses across our state for years to come.  As a result, all child care providers will see an immediate increase in reimbursement rates.  I greatly appreciate the Legislature standing alongside me in supporting a budget that includes rate reform similar to Senate Bill 246, which I introduced earlier this year.”

“Child care providers must earn a fair and living wage, especially since they have been on the front lines in caring for the children of first responders, medical personnel and other workers during this pandemic that devastated so many families and the child care workforce.  This historic funding for child care will help women—particularly women of color—and will help to reverse the unacceptable inequality that has disproportionately hurt the lives and livelihoods of this historically marginalized workforce that cares for California’s children.  This significant funding will directly help childcare workers, families and California’s economy since the reality is simple: Without childcare, parents simply cannot return to work and help provide for their families.”
Source: Senator Connie M. Leyva