California State Budget, Legislature & The Capitol

CALIFORNIA BUDGET UPDATES

To help support you staying on top of the 2024-25 budget process and materials connected to the budget, TFC is hosting everything in one place on its Budget Page.

Last week, the Department of FInance released their budget trailer bills. See below:

Budget Trailer Bills & 2024-25 Proposed Budget Trailer Bill Language Tracking

• K-12 Omnibus (2/1/2024)
• WIC Online Ordering (2/1/2024) 
• Bringing Families Home Program (1/25/2024) Housing related supports to eligible families.
• Family First Prevention Services program (1/31/2024) Small counties may be exempted.



Communications released related to the CA Budget:

• CA Budget & Policy Center: First Look: Understanding the Governor's 2024-25 State Budget Proposal
• The 2024-25 Budget: Overview of the Governor's Budget

All of the above information can be found on TFC's Budget Page. Be sure to reach out to TFC staff with any questions.

BILL OF THE WEEK

AB 1808 - Childcare and Development Services: Eligibility

Author: ASM Stephanie Nguyen

Assemblymember Nguyen served as the Executive Director of Asian Resources, Inc. (ARI) to ensure that all communities, especially the low-income, immigrant, refugee, limited English-speaking youth, formerly incarcerated and undocumented, have access to support and services to help them get one step closer to self-sufficiency. She was elected to the Elk Grove City Council in 2017 and is the first Asian American woman in this role.

Stephanie Nguyen has lived, worked, and served the Sacramento and Elk Grove communities almost all her life. The daughter of Vietnamese Refugees who fled the Vietnam War by boat, she grew up in Sacramento’s Little Saigon district and attended Sacramento schools before graduating from Sacramento State University.

HOW TO SUPPORT A BILL

As bills move through California’s legislative process, they are presented to and heard by several committees who may recommend amendments and vote on whether or not the bill should continue through the legislative process.

As legislators decide how to vote, they consider public opinion as expressed through position letters. To support a bill, you can submit your letter through the California Legislature Position Letter Portal.

If you have any questions, contact TFC staff!

IMPORTANT DATES, DEADLINES & BILLS

Upcoming dates and legislative deadlines to be aware:

• Feb. 16 Last day for bills to be introduced (J.R. 61(b)(4), (J.R. 54(a)). 
• Feb. 19 Presidents’ Day.

Upcoming Committee Hearings:

• Senate Human Services Committee
• February 12, 2024 @ 10:00am - Swing Space Room 2200
• Senate Human Services Committee
• February 12, 2024 @ 10:00am - Swing Space Room 2200
• Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance
• February 27, 3034 @ 9 a.m. - State Capitol, Room 447
• Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services
• March 13, 2024 @ 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 444
• Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services
• March 13, 2024 @ 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 444

Recently Introduced Bills to Watch:

• AB 1808 (Nguyen) Childcare and development services: eligibility. Extends 24-month eligibility to CalWORKs child care. TFC SPONSORED
• SB 953 (Menjivar) Medi-Cal: menstrual products.
• AB 1925 (Rendon) Childcare and development programs: eligibility.
• AB 1961 (Wicks) Food access: strategic plan.

Resources:

• See the full 2023-24 Legislative Calendar here.
• Visit TFC's legislation page to find a comprehensive list of bills of interest.
• Visit TFC's Budget Page for full budget bill details, as well as budget hearing video archive links.
• Visit TFC's dedicated page to find a full list of Senate and Assembly Committee chairs and contact information.
• Click here to view all the bills that the Assembly and Senate introduced this legislative year.

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE INFO, RULES & POSITION LETTER DEADLINES

All changes to committee assignments have been reflected on TFC's Committee Information, Rules & Position Letter Deadlines page. This page has been tailored to only include those committees relevant to the field. However, you can find the full, comprehensive and updated list of all committees on this site.

Please reach out to TFC staff if you have any questions.

2024 ELECTION INFORMATION AND UPDATES

Important Dates:

• February 20, 2024 - Last Day to Register to Vote
• March 5, 2024 - Presidential Primary Election
• November 5, 2024 - General Election

Qualified Statewide Propositions:

• Proposition 1:
• AB 531 (Chapter 789, Statutes of 2023), Irwin. The Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2023.
• SB 326 (Chapter 790, Statutes of 2023), Eggman. The Behavioral Health Services Act.
• SCA 2 (Allen) Public housing projects. (Res. Ch. 182, 2022)
• ACA 5 (Low) Marriage equality. (Res. Ch. 125, 2023)
• ACA 1 (Aguiar-Curry) Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval. (Res. Ch. 173, 2023)
• ACA 13 (Ward) Voting thresholds. (Res. Ch. 176, 2023)

Click here to see the Secretary of State's full list of candidates for 2024 elections.

Click here to see more information on elections from the Secretary of State.

Did you know?

Child Care Q&As

Question: Will a provider be paid at the Full-Time rate if the parent is seeking employment in April 2024?

Answer: Reimbursement to the provider will depend on how many hours the parent elects to seek employment. The regulations allow for no more than five (5) days and for less than thirty (30) hours per week, so it will be up to the parent to decide on their weekly schedule using those parameters. If a parent elects to use 29.75 hours of child care for seeking employment, the provider’s payment will be based on Full-Time RMR. If the parent elects to use 15 hours for seeking employment, the provider’s payment will be based on Part-Time RMR.

Question: If a child has ended care mid-month, do I prorate the Cost of Care Plus Rate payment for the provider?

Answer: No, do not prorate the payment. The provider receives the full Cost of Care Plus.

Child Care and Development Fund State Plan

The federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) is an aggregate of several funding sources that is distributed in block grants by the federal government to the states and territories. The majority of the funds are to be used to provide child care services to families who meet certain income and need criteria. A portion of the funding is to be used for activities to improve the quality of child care. Another portion is to be used to pay for costs of administering the CCDF.

The Plan Preprint for States and Territories is now available for public comment through 2/21/2024. The focus of the Plan Preprint (formatted in a Google document for you to add your comments) for FY 2025-2027 is to reduce burden, prioritize key policy areas, and facilitate communication of implementation action plans to address non-compliance. Click here to read ACF Overview of FY 2025-27 CCDF Plan Preprint.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is the lead agency for California and it has the flexibility to modify this program at any time, including amending the options selected or described. Thriving Families California (TFC) has formed a workgroup responsible for providing direction to CDSS as they develop the California’s plan. The members of this workgroup are as follows:

·        Christina Acosta – Pomona Unified School District

·        Jolie Buberl – CDA

·        Rick Richardson – CDA

·        Tanya Vega - Child & Family Services (CFS) California Alternative Payment Program (CAPP); Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE)

·        Karen Ramirez – Hively

·        Mona Shirk - Hively

You may provide input to one of the members above or you may enter your comment directly on the Plan Preprint. We encourage you to take this opportunity to envision the possibilities, and not restrict your input based current circumstances. Consider new opportunities and removal of challenges that have not worked.

Click here to see CDSS landing page for all State Plan informtion.

Federal Update

NWLC Federal Update

This week, Senators Kaine (D-VA), Casey (D-PA), Sanders (I-VT), Smith (D-MN), and Warren (D-MA), along with Representatives Bonamici (D-OR-1), Castro (D-TX-20), Jacobs (D-CA-51), and Sherrill (D-NJ-11) led a bicameral group of their colleagues in urging congressional leadership to renew expired funding for child care. The lawmakers’ letter follows a similar push by Kaine and Bonamici last November and President Biden’s supplemental funding request to Congress, which included $16 billion to address the child care crisis.

Over three dozen senators and over 130 House lawmakers said they “support robust funding for child care in the Fiscal Year 2024 funding legislation and in any future supplemental funding package.” 

:

It is critical that we continue to make the case that FY24 appropriations and any additional funding considered by Congress includes our ECE priorities. 

⇒ Please urge your Members of Congress to protect and expand funding for child care and early learning programs.

Our country needs Congress to push past the chaos and focus on the basics: keeping the government running and passing funding bills that place the needs of women, families, and children first. 

***

Child Tax Credit

As previously reported, the House passed the bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act―the tax package that includes an expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC)―and now it’s on to the Senate. More: NWLC Statement on House Passage of Bipartisan Tax Bill

⇒ Please urge your Senators to protect and expand funding for child care and early learning programs.

We know how to end child poverty. That is why we are fighting for this expansion right now, and why we will keep fighting to further improve the CTC.  

• Child
•  Tax Credit 2024 Resources & Social Media (Coalition on Human Needs)

Supplemental Federal Child Care Funding Update:

As the timeline for passing the national security supplemental request continues to draw out, we are now focused on ensuring that any future domestic supplemental that is considered includes $16 billion for child care and early learning.

⇒ Please urge your Members of Congress to support the $16 billion proposal supported by President Biden and many congressional Democrats. 

As previously shared,

• State-by-State
•  Map on Local Impact of Child Care Funding Cliff - National Women's Law Center (nwlc.org)
• The-Child-Care-Stabilization-Act-One-Pager.pdf  (senate.gov)

$472 Billion in American Rescue Plan Funds Expire Soon

Urgency is mounting as states and localities must designate the final round of American Rescue Plan funding within the next 11 months. September 30, 2024, is the deadline for allocating the $122 billion in funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and December 21, 2024, is the deadline for allocating the $350 billion in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars. 

Learn more about the upcoming deadlines and what communities can do to set themselves up for long-term success. Then, check out how four localities have invested these funds to support their children, youth, and families. Also, be sure to check out our upcoming webinar below for strategies for sustaining funding moving forward.

Most Viewed Bills of the Week:

1. H.R.7024 [118th] Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024
2. H.R.6981 [118th] Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024
3. H.R.2 [118th] Secure the Border Act of 2023
4. H.R.2670 [118th] National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
5. H.R.6976 [118th] Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act
6. S.3558 [118th] A bill to prohibit contracting with certain biotechnology providers, and for other purposes.
7. S.3589 [118th] Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act of 2024
8. H.R.2670 [118th] National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024
9. H.R.7085 [118th] To prohibit contracting with certain biotechnology providers, and for other purposes.
10. H.R.82 [118th] Social Security Fairness Act of 2023

Social Media Spotlight

Field Highlights

New Report by the Century Foundation: The Child Care Cliff Meant the End of Federal Funds – But Some States Are Stepping In to Fix That

The Covid-19 pandemic ushered in unprecedented federal spending in the child care industry. When schools and child care programs shut down, child care was recognized for what it is: a necessary component of a functioning economy. Through bipartisan legislation, funds were provided to keep the industry afloat and stable – a lifeline for providers and families who already found the industry precarious. But now, the emergency phase of the pandemic ended and much of the aid has run out. Despite cries from child care advocates and families, partisan politics have blocked Congress from making the federal funding permanent...

In a new report out this month from The Century Foundation, authors Julie Kashen and Laura Valle-Gutierrez detail the how and why of states deciding to invest in child care. Kashen was kind enough to share some of her insights from the report with Early Learning Nation magazine. A lightly edited Q and A follows...

Click here to view the full article.

California early education advocates rally for funding boost

Hundreds of California early education advocates are planning to rally in Sacramento today, calling for one-time funding of $100 million to help stabilize the child care sector. Amid dwindling revenues from the tobacco tax, members of the First 5 Association, a statewide commission focused on children from birth to 5 years old, argue that more money is needed to support family resource centers, early childhood mental health services, and child care and early learning programs.

“Failure to secure a short-term, stop-gap investment this year from the state will result in the elimination of even more services and programs currently supporting the healthy development of California’s youngest residents, ” said Fabiola González, board president of the First 5 Association, in a release. “While we are also focused on long-term policy solutions, First 5s in each county cannot afford to see their contributions undervalued or their potential delayed by budget constraints.”

Click here to view the full article.

Field Happenings

California Budget and Policy Center is hosting their Policy Insights conference on Tuesday, April 16th in Sacramento!

The dynamic workshops will cover some of the most important issues facing our state, including:



• Building Wealth, Building Futures: Strategies for Fostering Economic Opportunity and Mobility for Children
• Advancing Racial Equity in California: From Policy to Progress
• Dream Big: Increasing State Revenues Through Corporate Tax Fairness
• Expanding Child Care Access: Analyzing Supply Gaps and Policy Opportunities

Click here to register. Early bird registration ends at the end of the month!

CDSS & CDE Information & Updates

Upcoming Webinars

CDMIS Webinar Announcement: CDD-801A Updates & Introduction to Assembly Bill (AB) 22

Attention: Program Directors, Executive Directors, and Active CDMIS Users

The California Department of Education (CDE) and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) Support Team will host a webinar on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This session aims to provide valuable guidance on essential updates pertaining to the CDD-801A report, which will be in effect starting from the January 2024 reporting period.

In addition to the updates on the CDD-801A report, we will be providing a brief introduction to the legislation regarding Assembly Bill (AB) 22 and its requirements. A key mandate of the AB 22 is that it requires the CDE, by July 1, 2024, to collect student, teacher, and classroom data for each pupil enrolled in a California State Preschool Program (CSPP) operated by a local education agency (LEA), including all applicable data elements that are collected for pupils in transitional kindergarten, as provided. To meet this mandate, the CDE is developing the California Preschool Data Collection (CAPSDAC) system, which is expected to be launched on July 1, 2024.

This upcoming webinar aims to comprehensively revisit the content discussed in the January 9, 2024, webinar, providing in-depth insights into each update. In this session each section will be followed by detailed explanations of frequently asked questions from the previous webinar, to provide a more thorough understanding of each topic. 

While the CSPP-related items are not relevant to CDSS contracted agencies, the webinar remains crucial for our CDSS contracted agencies. It will provide essential information about recent changes to CDMIS and CDD-801A reporting.

The following topics will be presented during the webinar:

• High Level Overview of the CDMIS & CDD-801A Report
• Cost of Care Plus Rate Advances
• Transition to Enrollment Reporting
• Sub-Contractor Information: Updates to the Part-Day Field
• New Reason Code: U - CSPP Early Enrollment
• New Reason Code: V - Means-Tested Government Program
• Updating Agency Information
• Information on AB 22 and Introduction to the CAPSDAC System (CSPP Only)

Registration for this training webinar is not required.

Zoom Webinar Connection Information:

When: February 13, 2024, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Topic: CDD-801A Updates & Introduction to Assembly Bill 22

Join the CDD-801A Updates & Introduction to Assembly Bill 22 webinar.

Meeting ID: 85847198181

Passcode: 228384

Contractor Connections:  Announcement for Upcoming Training Webinar 

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care and Development Division (CCDD), will host the training webinar Overview of Key Program and Quality Contract Requirements on February 21, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The webinar is one of the series that the CCDD will host as part of its overall goal of working collaboratively with child care and development contractors to reinforce their understanding of contract requirements, ensure their proficiency in accessing current information about program requirements and staying informed, and support continuous improvement and program integrity. The webinar topics were generated from a recently completed survey of contractors and from findings of past contract monitoring reviews.

The training webinars are appropriate for new and veteran staff. The webinar presentations will be free on Zoom and will be recorded and made available on the CDSS website for continuing educational purposes.

Click here to register in advance for this webinar.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.

Information & Updates

RELEASED February 8, 2024: Public Hearing Announcement for the Child Care and Development Fund 2025-2027 State Plan

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) will hold a Public Hearing to receive public comments on the draft 2025-27 Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) State Plan. Every three years, states and territories receiving CCDF funds must prepare and submit to the federal government a State Plan detailing how the State will allocate and expend these funds. A draft version of the plan is available on the CDSS’ Child Care and Development Fund State Plan webpage for review prior to the Public Hearing.

The Public Hearing will be held at the CDSS’ Headquarters at the following date, address, and time:

Date: March 6, 2024

Address: 744 P Street; Sacramento, CA 95814

Room: OB9, Rooms 235/237

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

When you arrive at CDSS, sign in at the security desk and wait for a Policy Team member to escort you to the hearing room.

At the hearing, any person may present statements, orally, relevant to the draft 2025-27 CCDF State Plan. Persons who make oral comments at the Public Hearing may also submit a written summary of their statements until March 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. to the dedicated email box statepln@dss.ca.gov if they choose, but it is not required. No oral statements will be accepted subsequent to the end of the Public Hearing on March 6, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about this Public Hearing, you can submit them to the dedicated email box statepln@dss.ca.gov.

RELEASED February 7, 2024: CDSS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

This CDSS 2023 Year in Review highlights key achievements for the year, which we could not have accomplished without the tremendous efforts and unwavering support from our many partners and the dedication of our extraordinary staff.

Among our many milestones from 2023, we continued to support the delivery of much-needed food and cash benefits to families, issued additional housing supports to help older adults and adults with disabilities, saw the launch of the first pilot programs designed to provide guaranteed income to former foster youth and pregnant individuals, welcomed and supported newcomers, and continued to provide funding for direct services and support to victims of hate incidents.

To see the full report, click here.

RELEASED February 2, 2024: Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) Update #32: New Reason Codes in “Reason for Receiving Child Care Services” Field

Attention: Program Directors, Executive Directors, Active CDMIS Users, and Software Vendors

On February 1, 2024, two new reason codes will be added to the Reason for Receiving Child Care Services information field. The Reason for Receiving Child Care Services information field indicates the primary reason that subsidized child care services through an agency’s contract with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) are needed by the family. This is the primary reason used to determine “need” for services. Two new reason codes have been added and will be available for use starting on February 1, 2024, for the January 2024 reporting period.

Read more here.

RELEASED February 1, 2024: CCB 24-02 CHILD CARE PROVIDERS UNITED – CALIFORNIA (CCPU) ACCESS TO PRESERVICE MEETINGS AND ORIENTATIONS

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently posted the following document on its Internet website: CCB 24-02 CHILD CARE PROVIDERS UNITED – CALIFORNIA (CCPU) ACCESS TO PRESERVICE MEETINGS AND ORIENTATIONS.

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin (CCB) is to provide County Welfare Departments (CWDs) and contractors with guidance pertaining to newly enacted requirements surrounding Child Care Providers United – California (CCPU) access to preservice meetings and orientations, pursuant to SB 140 (Chapter 193, Statutes of 2023), signed by the Governor on September 13, 2023, and the Agreement between the State of California and the Child Care Providers United (CCPU) union, ratified by CCPU on July 31, 2023. 

Read the entire CCB here.

RELEASED February 1, 2024: Release of the Draft Version of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) 2025-27 State Plan

Every three years, states and territories receiving Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) allocations must prepare and submit to Administration for Children and Families (ACF) a CCDF State Plan detailing how the State will allocate and expend these funds. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has released a draft version of the 2025-27 CCDF State Plan on the CDSS’ CCDF State Plan webpage for public comment.

In Section 4 on Equal Access, there are several questions related to cost analysis and rate setting based on the use of CDSS’s pre-approved alternative methodology for estimating the costs of child care. In the final State Plan, the responses in this section will be updated once additional work on the alternative methodology is completed. An updated timeline for the work related to the alternative methodology will be posted on CCDD’s Rate Reform and Quality Webpage early this week.

Additionally, please note that on January 22, 2024, in the Federal Registry announcement, ACF proposed changes to the state plan preprint, which establishes the questions and format of states’ CCDF plans. These changes are not yet incorporated in California’s draft State Plan due to the timing of the release of the Federal Registry announcement and that the proposed changes from the federal government are not final at this time. Our listening sessions to date have captured information to support responses to existing pre-print format. If ACF approves of the preprint changes, CDSS will transfer information to the new version, which will be submitted to ACF no later than July 1, 2024. Both the Federal Register notice and the CCDF Plan Preprint are posted on OCC’s website.

Individuals can submit written comments regarding CDSS’s posted draft plan during the 30-day public comment period beginning February 1, 2024, through March 1, 2024, via the dedicated email box statepln@dss.ca.gov.

Happening This Week, February 12th-16th:

Monday, February 12th: -TFC Public Policy Committee Workgroup: Simplifying Services for Families (CalWORKs) @ 10:00am -TFC Small/Rural Subcommittee Meeting @ 2:00pm

Tuesday, February 13th: -Child Development Management Information System (CDMIS) Webinar Announcement: CDD-801A Updates & Introduction to Assembly Bill (AB) 22. 10:00am-11:30am. Join Here. -TFC Weekly Member Call @ 1:00pm. Email to register.

Thursday, February 15th: -CDSS CCDD Monthly Contractor Call @ 10:00am. Register Here.

Thriving Families California (formerly CAPPA) is committed to supporting our field with a coordinated calendar. Click here to see current calendar of events. If you have an event to add, email us and it will be added.

The Weekly Good

An uplifting way to start the week, for those of us who need a break from the chaos that is our lives.

During this time where we are all stressed, it would be great to celebrate the positive. Each week we will celebrate everyday heroes, inspiring movements and great things happening in our field. 

Child Development Associates Celebrates 50 Years Serving Their Community

Dear Friend,

2024 is a milestone year for CDA as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary serving our community. To commemorate this special occasion, we are thrilled to unveil our new logo for the year!

We started in 1974 united by a vision to serve the community based on the belief that every child deserved access to high-quality child care. Fifty years later, the healthy development of every child and providing access to a nurturing environment remains the bedrock of our mission. This principle continues to guide us in our commitment to serve children, families, and the child care community.

As we reflect on our past accomplishments, we are equally excited about the future. Armed with new goals and innovative strategies, we are poised to play a continued and impactful role in the lives of the communities we serve.

We extend an invitation to join us in celebrating this significant milestone. To our donors, volunteers, dedicated staff, and esteemed community partners, we express our deepest appreciation for your ongoing commitment. Together, let us build a foundation that fosters the potential of every child, family, and child care provider in our community.

Thank you for your enduring partnership and dedication to CDA's mission and our programs!

Become a Monday 

Morning Update Partner! 

Our Monday Morning Update supports our Early Learning & Child Care field with timely information about what is going on in California and nationally; as well as dates to be aware and upcoming events. 

Our weekly Monday morning distribution is to nearly 10,000 federal and state local agencies, resource and referrals, contractors, legislators and their staffs', centers, parents, providers, state departments and advocates. 

To help support the continuation of this resource and or advertise in the Monday Morning Update, click HERE.

To advertise in the update, click here.

You can also make a donation to TFC and The CAPPA Children's Foundation HERE.

The Children's Foundation is a non-profit organization (501(c)3), Taxpayer Identification Number is 03-0521444. Your generous donation is tax deductible.