California State Budget, Legislature & The Capitol

California Budget Updates

To support our field keeping up with budget related information, TFC will host updates and information on our Budget Page . If you have information you would like to have hosted, click here.

Use this Excel document to help you track budget actions as it is updated in real time. Click here to see the 2026-27 budget summary.

This Week's Budget Hearings

• March 3, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Budget Subcommittee No. 3 On Education Finance @ 9:00 am - State Capitol, Room 447 Add to Calendar

Child Care Hearings to Put on Your Calendar

• March 12 (Thursday)
• Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services @ 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of Session - 1021 O Street, Room 1200 - Add to Calendar
• Child Care
• CalWORKS
• March 24 (Tuesday)
• Joint Hearing Assembly Budget Subcommittee 2 on Education Finance and 3 on Human Services @ 9:00 a.m. - State Capitol, Room 447 - Add to Calendar
• January Budget proposals for Early Childhood Education
• State of Universal Preschool Oversight

Last Week: Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson Shares Budget Outlook with Human Services Advocates

On February 11, TFC staff joined a briefing hosted by Corey A. Jackson for staff and human services budget advocates. Agencies from San Bernardino and Riverside counties outlined concerns about how H.R. 1 could harm key safety-net programs, including CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal. Jackson reiterated his commitment to protecting these services and plans to reconvene stakeholders after the Governor’s May Revise. For follow-up, agencies can contact District Representative Darrell Frye at Darrell.Frye@asm.ca.gov. 

Recent LAO Publications

The 2026-27 Budget: How to Use One-Time Revenue Improvements

The 2026-27 Budget: K-12 Proposals

The 2026-27 Budget: Food Assistance Programs

The 2026-27 Budget: CalWORKs



Implementing California’s Child Welfare Prevention Services Program

TFC's Featured Bill of the Week

AB 1981 (Aguiar Curry) Subsidized childcare: reimbursement rates: reporting



Author: Assemblymember Aguiar Curry

In November 2016, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry was elected to the California Assembly to represent the 4th District, which includes all of Napa, Lake, Yolo, Colusa Counties and part of Sonoma County.

Cecilia grew up in western Yolo County and has long served her community. After going to school and working in the Bay Area for several years, she moved back to her hometown of Winters, where she almost immediately became active in the local community and a regional leader on several issues. She first served as planning commissioner and then was elected to the city council, eventually serving as the first female mayor of Winters.

While growing up, Cecilia was surrounded by agriculture. As a youth, she cut apricots in the packing shed and helped her father in the walnut orchards in the area. She is still involved in local agriculture to this day as she and her brothers own an 80-acre walnut orchard.

After earning a degree in business administration from San Jose State University, she launched a consulting firm that specialized in public outreach with government agencies.

As mayor of Winters, Cecilia oversaw improvements in the downtown area and worked to improve local schools, including securing computers for every sixth grader in the city. She also brought broadband internet to rural communities, built senior housing, and helped the area to become an agricultural and food innovation hub for the region.

She currently resides in Winters a block from her childhood home with her longtime partner, Larry Harris, and has a stepson and two grown daughters.

Important Dates, Deadlines,

Hearings, and Bills

Dates & Deadlines:

• March 26, 2026 - Spring Recess begins upon adjournment.

Upcoming Hearings:

• March 10, 2026 (Tuesday)
• Joint Hearing Assembly Health And Senate Health @ 1:30 pm; 1021 O Street, Room 1100 Add to Calendar
• The Cost of Uncertainty: Health Coverage Access and Affordability Amid Federal Instability
• Assembly Human Services Committee @ 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 437 - Calendar
• Click here to see the bills being heard
• Letters of support due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4

Legislative Resources:

• See the tentative 2026-27 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.
• Click here to view all the bills that the Assembly and Senate introduced this legislative year.
• Click here to view legislative committee information, rules, and position letter deadlines.

Child Care in the News

Did You Know?

Child Care Q&A's

NOTE: If you have a question you would like answered or researched, please email.

Question: Is California's federal child care funding going to be frozen?

Answer: No, at least for now, California’s federal child care funding is not frozen. A federal court order from Vernon S. Broderick last week has blocked the federal government from withholding the funds, meaning money must continue flowing to states including California while the legal challenge moves forward. Visit TFC's federal page to learn more.

Federal Update

Updates on CCDF and Federal Proposed Rule Posted to TFC's Webpage

Click here to be directed to our website page that will be continually updated with the latest news.

• Past and upcoming federal hearings on child care

Sign On & Template Comment Due TODAY Opposing ED's "Professional Degree" Proposed Definition | Child Welfare League of America

Start Early and First Focus on Children have developed a template comment in response to the Department of Education’s proposed rule that would limit the definition of professional degrees eligible for federal graduate student loans.

Without full access to federal student loans, the home visiting field will face challenges related to workforce recruitment that could significantly affect the ability to serve families. This template comment urges the U.S. Department of Education to revise the proposed rule to include graduate nursing, behavioral health, and social work degrees within the definition of “professional degree” for purposes of federal student loan eligibility and applicable limits.

How to use this template:

• Comments are due March 2.
• National, state, and local home visiting advocates as well as members of the home visiting workforce are encouraged to use the template to draft their comments. Please customize the template, by making additions and removing sections to tailor it to your organization’s needs.
• Read the full Federal Register Notice and submit comments here.

CLASP Testifies about Paid Leave at Congressional Hearing 

Elyse Shaw, CLASP’s Director of Education, Labor, and Worker Justice, was invited to testify about paid leave at a hearing last week of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee of the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee. The hearing was titled, “Balancing Careers and Care: Examining Innovative Approaches to Paid Leave.”

In her testimony, Elyse emphasized that:

• Caregiving, whether paid or unpaid, is the backbone of our economy and is the work that allows all other work to happen. 
• Establishing a federal floor for comprehensive paid leave is more critical now than ever, particularly with the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in U.S. history and the rising cost of living, basic necessities, and child care. 
• We know what works: Over the last 25 years, 13 states and the District of Columbia have led innovation in comprehensive paid family and medical leave. Their programs have incorporated lessons learned from earlier models, other states, and firsthand experience. In fact, states have already been working together and regularly meet – often through CLASP’s Paid Leave Administrators’ Network – to discuss and implement best practices. 
• Congress must do more to solve the gaping hole in our nation’s family policies and ensure that everyone gets the access they need to comprehensive paid family and medical leave.  

Read Elyse’s testimony and watch the complete hearing here. 

Click here to read the most recent weekly federal update from the National Women's Law Center.

Federal Government Update 

Congress continues to operate under a partial government shutdown due to the lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Despite ongoing negotiations between Congress and the White House, the two sides remain far apart. The White House late Thursday sent Democrats its latest counteroffer to fund the DHS as the partial government shutdown drags into Day 14.

It comes as Democrats remain steadfast in their refusal to fund the agency until the administration agrees to put meaningful guardrails on its immigration enforcement agenda, and 10 days since Democrats submitted their latest pitch to Trump officials. More: White House sends DHS counteroffer to Dems- POLITICO

Please see item #2 for more information and resources to take action.

This week, Rep. Chu (CA-28) led every Democrat on the House Ways & Means Committee in introducing a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) that would demand transparency into the Trump administration’s new “Defend the Spend” policy for childcare payments to states. 

Under the “Defend the Spend” policy, states cannot draw down their Child Care Entitlement to States (CCES) allocation until they provide unspecified data not required by law to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The CCES program provides mandatory funding to states, territories, and tribes to subsidize childcare expenses for low-income working families and to improve the supply and quality of childcare. But ever since the Trump administration reinstated their “Defend the Spend” policy in December 2025 after claiming unsubstantiated allegations of fraud in the CCES program, there have been anecdotal reports of states and counties unable to draw down funding. This violates federal law, which requires HHS to provide due process before suspending childcare funding due to allegations of misuse. Additionally, HHS thus far has failed to provide answers to Congress regarding which states are or are not able to access their funding, who at HHS is reviewing states’ submissions, or how that data is being used. More: Rep. Chu Leads Ways & Means Democrats in Introducing Resolution of Inquiry into Trump’s New “Defend the Spend” Barriers to Childcare Funding

Fraud should always be taken seriously and prosecuted when proven, and Minnesota has investigated and prosecuted fraud in the past. However, no credible evidence of current widespread or systemic fraud in Minnesota’s child care system has been publicly presented. State officials have indicated that many facilities named in recent claims were operating normally when inspected. Investigations are ongoing, but broad funding disruptions are not an evidence-based response and harm children, families, and providers who are following the rules.

More:

• BACKGROUND: Trump Administration’s Withholding of Child Care Funding (CCEFN)
• Feb 2026 Message Guidance for Attacks on Child Care_c3 friendly (CCEFN)
• Attacks on Somali Communities and Fraud Claims Fact Sheet (CLASP, NILC, ACT)

⇒ Take Action: Take action to restore child care funding! (CCEFN)

Protect Head Start & Early Head Start 

A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration’s attacks on Head Start, halting the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) ban on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as mass office closures and layoffs at the Office of Head Start. These administrative actions had disrupted programs nationwide and hindered their ability to fulfil their mission of providing early education and care to young children from low-income families. More: Federal Judge Grants Second Preliminary Injunction Blocking Attacks on Head Start | American Civil Liberties Union

More: Judge blocks purge DEI-related terms in Head Start grant applications | AP News

Take Action

• Take Action: Take action to restore child care funding! (CCEFN)
• Find in-person and online events here: CHN/partner events joint calendar
• Messaging Guide for Child Care (c3 version) (c4 version) (CCEFN)
• Toolkit: Protecting Immigrant Families - Children Thrive Action Network
• Join us at the Children Thrive Action Network! CTAN is a new network of advocates and service providers at the national, state, and local levels. Our mission is to defend and support children in the United States in immigrant families. Organizations interested in a network to further this goal can join CTAN here.
• Protecting & Supporting Immigrant Children & their Families in Early Learning Spaces | MomsRising
• Meals and Snacks - CACFP Federal Advocacy Toolkit 2025
• CHN budget and tax toolkit for local groups (Coalition on Human Needs)
• To help local and state advocates raise their voices to protect and strengthen key nutrition, housing, early childhood, and other assistance, we’ve created this toolkit with resources to use for requesting a District (or DC) meeting with members of Congress, organizing site visits for policymakers, conversations with members of Congress and/or their staff (which you can use at a local town hall), emails to Congressional staff, getting letters published in local newspapers, and more. See our state data resource library, along with our general poverty and budget libraries, for additional resources. 

Most Viewed Bills of the Week:

1.H.R.22 [119th] SAVE Act

2.H.R.4818 [118th] Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023

3.H.R.4405 [119th] Epstein Files Transparency Act

4.H.R.7296 [119th] SAVE America Act

5.H.Res.353 [119th] Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

6.H.R.1 [119th] An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.

7.H.R.7148 [119th] Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

8.H.Res.537 [119th] Impeaching Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

9.S.1382 [110th] ALS Registry Act

10.S.1383 [119th] Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act

Upcoming TFC Events

Thriving Families CA (TFC) Foundation is excited to announce an informational training event in Anaheim, designed to empower our community and foster collaboration.

This Statewide Meeting presents a unique opportunity for participants to come together, share valuable insights and experiences, and explore innovative ideas that will shape policies and enhance best practices in our field.

Over the course of two enriching days, attendees will have the chance to engage in a multi-track workshop format, catering to diverse interests and ensuring that every stakeholder finds relevant and impactful content.

Together, we can strengthen our collective efforts to create THRIVING environments for children and families.

We hope you can join us!

CDSS & CDE Upcoming Events

Family Child Care at its Best Rural Cohort

Family Child Care at Its Best (FCCB) is pleased to offer a collection of workshops just for family child care and family, friend, and neighbor providers who work in rural communities. 

Following the Rural Workshop series model launched in 2025, these workshops are 1.5-hour excerpts from our regular FCCB workshop curriculum and are held virtually. Each workshop is separate, and attendees will receive a professional growth certificate after completing each one. 

• Learning Through Relationships with Infants and Toddlers (English and Spanish) 
• Supporting Young Dual Language Learners (English) 

Please visit the FCCB Rural Cohort Flyer (flyer in English and flyer in Spanish) for more information and to register. 

CDSS & CDE Information & Updates

CDSS Year in Review

In 2025, CDSS remained steadfast in our mission and our commitment to serve, protect, and support Californians experiencing need, even as we faced significant challenges. From devastating wildfires to a historic federal government shutdown that threatened the food security of more than 5 million people, we worked together, with counties, Tribes, and other partners, to put families and communities first.

I encourage you to take the time to access the CDSS 2025 Year in Review and further explore achievements like these from across the Department.

In these challenging times, our work is as critical as ever and I continue to be inspired by your passion and dedication to serving the people of California.

With gratitude,

Jennifer Troia

DSS Finance and Accounting Division Document Posted

The Department of Social Services (CDSS) has recently posted the following document(s) on its Internet website:

CFL 25-26-56 (February 20, 2026)

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) And Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) Verification

For reference or other information visit the CDSS Letters-and-Notices website.

RELEASED February 20, 2026: 
Management Bulletin 26-02: Fiscal Year 2025–26 Program Self-Evaluation for California State Preschool Program Contractors

The California Department of Education (CDE), Early Education Division (EED) has released Management Bulletin (MB) 26-02: Fiscal Year 2025–26 Program Self-Evaluation (PSE) for California State Preschool Program Contractors, which can be accessed on the MB 26-02 web page at Management Bulletin 26-02 - Child Development (CA Dept of Education). This MB notifies CSPP contractors of:

·      The PSE requirements for Fiscal Year 2025–26

·      The submission process for the 2025–26 PSE

·      The submission process for the 2025-26 Training Needs Survey

An informational webinar detailing the PSE requirements, survey and submission process will be presented on March 4, 2026. Webinar information can be found on the CDE PSE web page Program Self-Evaluations - Child Development (CA Dept of Education)

If you have programmatic questions regarding the information in this MB, please contact your assigned EED Program Quality Implementation (PQI) Regional Consultant. The CDE, EED PQI Consultant Regional Assignments directory web page can be accessed at Consultant Regional Assignments.

If you have fiscal questions regarding the information in this MB, please contact your assigned Early Education and Nutrition Fiscal Services (EENFS) fiscal apportionment analyst. The CDE, EENFS Fiscal Analyst Directory web page can be accessed at Fiscal Apportionment Analyst Directory.

Sincerely, 

Early Education Division 

California Department of Education 

CCLD has released a new Provider Information Notice (PIN), PIN 26-03-CCLD: GUARDIAN TRAINING WEBINAR FOR LICENSEES AND PROVIDERS

CCLD has released a new Provider Information Notice (PIN), PIN 26-03-CCLD: GUARDIAN TRAINING WEBINAR FOR LICENSEES AND PROVIDERS

Primary Audience:

ALL CCLD FACILITY LICENSEES AND PROVIDERS

Summary:

PIN 26-03-CCLD announces a Guardian webinar for all providers on February 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

An electronic copy of PIN 26-03-CCLD: GUARDIAN TRAINING WEBINAR FOR LICENSEES AND PROVIDERS, is available for viewing/downloading by clicking on the following link:

PIN 26-03-CCLD: GUARDIAN TRAINING WEBINAR FOR LICENSEES AND PROVIDERS

Previous PINs are available at the CCLD website.

Social Media Spotlight

Follow TFC on social media!

We would love for you to tag us in your posts and use the hashtag #TFC2025

On Our Reading List

Information & Updates

Happening This Week, March 2 - 6, 2026:

Tuesday, March 3rd:

• TFC Weekly Member Connections Meeting @ 1:00 p.m. Email to register.
• Joint Conference Committee Kick-Off Call @ 2:30pm
  

Wednesday, March 4th:

• TFC Public Policy Meeting @ 2:00pm
  

Thursday, March 5th:

• RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 12 - Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services @ 9:30am. More information here. 
  

Friday, March 6th:

• TFC Workgroup - Prospective pay, CalWORKs, and more Meeting at 1:00pm.
  

Thriving Families CA Foundation is committed to supporting our field with a coordinated calendar. Click here to see our 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.