News these days is admittedly difficult to listen to. There is so much negativity in the daily news cycle, it is hard to absorb it all. Especially disconcerting is the impact that the decisions in Washington DC are having on our community here at home - especially the fallout from the federal shutdown. The people who are affected by these decisions are our own families, friends, neighbors, clients, and community members. The stories I've heard from families who are not receiving paychecks because of the government shutdown are especially heart-wrenching. Through all of this, there are those partners who are stepping up to keep folks impacted informed and providing tangible help. Be sure to follow 4Cs of Alameda County on Facebook to stay up-to-date on resources your family, or those you know who are affected by the shutdown, can use during this time of uncertainty.

While the national news can be overwhelming, closer to home news about Governor Newsom's proposed state budget is a refreshing reprieve. The governor campaigned on the promise of supporting early care and education and families and his proposed budget includes significant investments in programs that benefit children and families. You can read a summery of the Governor's budget proposal for education here and a response to the budget from our colleagues at the Child Care Law Center here. We hope that this commitment to early care and education continues as we usher in a new year and new legislators.     

Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld

Executive Director