June 15, 2022 - SACRAMENTO – Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) on Tuesday released the following statement after the California State Senate passed the 2022-2023 state budget ahead of the constitutional deadline:

“As Chair of the Senate Education Committee and as a committed advocate for increased funding for child care—as well as a mother and grandmother—I appreciate the critical investments in California’s child care system included in this budget.  From waiving family fees for child care and investing $200 million in additional child care facilities to increasing the child care reimbursement rates to the 85^th percentile of the regional market rate (RMR), there is no doubt that this budget will help children, families and providers by strengthening the care safety net in California.  I also appreciate that this budget includes $55 million General Funding for the three-year planning process to support universal preschool.  These investments—coupled with my SB 976 ensuring that families have true access to universal preschool—will help to expand the availability of the child care that families need since, without child care, parents cannot return to work and help provide for their families.  I thank legislative leadership and the Administration for recognizing the importance of this funding that is so vitally important to children, working families and providers across our state.”
Source: Senator Connie M. Leyva