California State Budget, Legislature & The Capitol

Announcements From the Governor's Desk

Governor Newsom is making decisions on nearly 750 bills that are currently on his desk. Last week, Governor Newsom was out of the state attending Climate Week in New York City. While he is outside the geographic boundaries of the State of California, Governor Newsom does not have power to act on bills. Before departing for NYC, Governor Newsom signed AB 238 (Harabedian and Irwin) to help homeowners affected by the Los Angeles fires receive mortgage relief.

The Governor has until October 13th at midnight to act on all bills. The actions that can be considered by the Governor are to sign, veto or or allow a bill to go into effect without his signature.

NEW: 3-Year CCPU Tentative Agreement Ratified by Membership, Legislature, and State of CA

From CCPU: "Following two weeks of voting which included dozens of member meetings, home visits and online educational meetings on the tentative agreement, CCPU members overwhelmingly ratified their third contract with the State of California. Final results were announced September 22. CCPU members voted 99.11% to approve the new contract.

In addition, over the last few weeks, the state also ratified the 2025–28 contract through Senate Bill 151, which means with members’ ratifying the agreement, it is in effect and providers will finally see overdue stabilization payments by the end of 2025.

What Providers Won in the 2025–28 Contract:

• $37 million ongoing, per year in Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs)
• $90 million one-time stabilization payments
• $80 million ongoing, per year for retirement funding
• $100 million ongoing, per year for healthcare funding
• $15 million ongoing, per year for training and continuing education
• The ability to re-negotiate rate increases if the legislature allocates more money
• Clearer timelines for pay reform, including moving payments to the start of the month
• Continued payment by enrollment (not daily attendance), protecting stability for families and providers

While this contract secures critical funding for stabilization, retirement, health care, and ongoing COLAs, the fight for the true cost of care continues. In October, our CCPU member committee will return to the bargaining table with the state to determine a final path toward full reimbursement for the cost of providing care.

Right now, 73% of child care providers in state programs do not pay themselves a salary because state reimbursement rates remain far too low. Every day, an average of 24 providers close their doors. Without reform, families lose care and working parents lose the ability to keep their jobs.

Providers will keep fighting until California’s child care system truly works for every family."

The agreement is hosted on the CalHR website

• CCPU collective bargaining agreement 2025-2028
• Legislative Summary
• Costing Summary

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.

Upcoming Budget Hearings

• None scheduled

Latest trailer bills:

• SB 151 Early childhood education and childcare
• SB 146 Human services

Visit the TFC Budget Page for a more robust breakdown of the trailer bills. The TFC Budget Grid has been updated.

TFC's Featured Bill of the Week

AB 1324 (Sharp-Collins) CalWORKS



Author: Assemblymember Dr. LaShea Sharp-Collins

LaShae Sharp-Collins was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2024 to represent the 79th Assembly District, which encompasses parts of southeastern San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, as well as the unincorporated communities of Bonita, La Presa, and Spring Valley.

LaShae attended John F. Kennedy Elementary, Gompers Secondary School, and Lincoln High School. After graduating from Lincoln High School, she attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies, a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on Multicultural Counseling, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. She later returned to San Diego State University as an adjunct professor in the Department of Africana Studies, where she mentored the next generation of leaders.

One of LaShae’s most transformative roles was serving as District Director for former Assemblymember Dr. Shirley N. Weber, who is now California’s Secretary of State. In this role, LaShae managed staff, developed policy, and played a central role in addressing critical issues facing the 79th Assembly District. She worked closely with stakeholders to pass landmark legislation, including efforts to reduce violence in communities of color and to hold school districts accountable for spending taxpayer dollars.

How to Support a Bill

As the governor decides what action to take, they consider public opinion as expressed through position letters. To support a bill, you can submit your letter through the Governor's contact portal or email a copy of your letter to leg.unit@gov.ca.gov. You can also mail a physical letter to the address below:

Governor Gavin Newsom

1021 O Street, Suite 9000

Sacramento, CA 95814

If you have any questions, contact TFC staff.

Important Dates, Deadlines,

Hearings, and Bills

Dates & Deadlines:

• October 13, 2025: Last day for Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature before Sept. 13 and in the Governors possession on or after Sept. 13.
• Note: The original deadline was October 12th. Due to the Legislature adjourning on September 13th, the Governor will have until midnight on October 13th to take action on legislation.

The Legislature is on recess until January 5, 2026. This is a great time to schedule in-district meetings and site visits. Please let TFC staff know if you would like assistance with reaching out to your representative.

Legislative Resources:

• See the full 2025-26 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.

Did You Know?

Child Care Q&A's

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

Question: Will centers continue to receive the Cost of Care Plus rate?

Answer: Yes. Effective July 1, 2025, SB 120 (Chapter 13, Statutes 2025) has extended this and have added an increase for all center-based programs.

Under SB 120, for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, child care centers will continue to receive monthly Cost-of-Care Plus rate payments, calculated based on region. The new rates are defined as follows:

• Central region (e.g., Sacramento): previously $140 per child/month
• $152 per child/month
• Northern region: previously $141 per child/month
• $154 per child/month
• Southern region: previously $160 per child/month
• $174 per child/month
• Los Angeles region: previously $171 per child/month
• $186 per child/month
• Bay Area region (e.g., San Francisco, Santa Clara, etc.): previously $211 per child/month
• $230 per child/month

NOTE: The tentative CCPU agreement also includes increases for family child care providers.

Question: Did the budget include any funds to help centers and family childcare homes keep their doors open amidst rising costs?

Answer: Yes. SB 151 (Chapter 108, Statutes 2025) provided $157.8 million for the California Department of Social Services to make one-time stabilization payments to both family childcare providers and childcare centers, inclusive of allowable administration cost to contractors. That payment would be $431 for licensed family childcare providers and childcare centers and $300 for license-exempt family childcare providers. If the CCPU tentative agreement is ratified by September 30, 2025 and approved by the CCPU membership, the payments must be made to family childcare providers by January 1, 2026.

Federal Update

Revised CACFP Rates Don’t Make a Dent: What to know about the new rates and the implications of new federal policies

Click here to read the brief.

"As a result of the recently passed H.R. 1 bill, signed by the President in early July 2025, millions of families will face reduced access to SNAP and Medicaid. This change is expected to have a cascading negative impact on access to school meals and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

CACFP reimbursement rate tiers are commonly determined by the percentage of low-income students participating in area schools and qualifying for free and reduced school meals. Fewer participants in SNAP and Medicaid will result in children not being able to automatically qualify for free school meals thus decreasing the number of children with low-incomes participating in the school meal programs. The reduction in the number of students with low-incomes participating in school meals will push more home-based child care providers out of Tier 1 into Tier 2, where the reimbursement rate is about fifty percent less.

Feeble rate increases and threats to home-based child care provider eligibility in CACFP, SNAP and Medicaid will increase hardship for child care providers, reduce access to healthy food for young children and strain family budgets."

H.R. 1 Immigration Provisions Worsen Conditions for ECE

Click here to read the full blog.

"H.R. 1’s additional resources for enforcement mean increased presence of immigration officials in communities across the nation, which is likely to result in increased threats of racial profiling and violence towards immigrants and non-immigrants alike. When it comes to the ECE field, this hostile environment is likely to lead to lower attendance and enrollment based on fears of deportation or separation. Center- and home-based programs may face disruptions or closures. ECE professionals will be impacted regardless of citizenship or immigration status. They will face the threat of layoffs and lower wages in programs that rely on children’s attendance and enrollment for continued funding. 

Ultimately, these circumstances will worsen conditions for an industry that is already struggling with recruitment and retention and for a workforce that is already overworked and underpaid. The United States has long struggled to provide accessible and affordable ECE options and services. Increased enforcement of immigration policies through H.R. 1 will not just impact the immigrant population and those who rely on them for ECE services, but entire communities throughout the nation."

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

Federal Government Update

A government shutdown is on its way next week, and there's little reason to believe Republicans and Democrats will suddenly come together in the next few days to avoid it.

For one thing, President Trump left town. He spent the start of the weekend before the funding deadline at a golf tournament. Lawmakers are largely gone, too, following a weeklong holiday recess. And the House of Representatives isn't even scheduled to be back in session until October 1st – after a shutdown ostensibly begins.

With Democrats digging in on a series of health care demands, and Republicans refusing to budge, a deal is nowhere in sight. Starting Wednesday, absent a breakthrough, "essential" government services such as the military and law enforcement will keep working, but "non-essential" functions like national parks will close or cut staffing. More: Will the government shut down? All signs point to stalemate.

We urge Congress to adopt the Senate Democrats' version of the Continuing Resolution that would lower health care costs, including by repealing the catastrophic Medicaid cuts and making the enhanced ACA premium tax credits permanent. Importantly, their 30-day continuing resolution includes safeguards to prevent Trump from illegally withholding federal funds from programs like Head Start. More: NWLC Action Fund Endorses Democrats’ Proposal to Fund the Government; Rejects Republicans’ Spending Bill

• FAQs on Government Shutdowns (CPCC)
• Understanding the Legal Framework Governing a Shutdown | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Protect Head Start & Early Head Start 

Head Start Litigation

Federal Court Halts Trump Administration’s Unlawful Attacks on Head Start Families: In a win for working families, a federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction effectively blocking an exclusionary directive of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS), which sought to shut out immigrant families from participating in Head Start based on their immigration status for the first time in the program’s history since it was created in 1965. The ruling prevents the HHS directive from going into effect and enjoins the government from implementing or enforcing it against any Head Start agencies, program providers, student or family participants, or other similar persons. More: Federal Court Halts Trump Administration’s Unlawful Attacks on Head Start Families | American Civil Liberties Union 

Importantly, this emergency injunction applies to every state across the country.

We are still awaiting a ruling on the anti-DEIA executive order and RIFs/regional office closures.

Executive Actions

• Tracking the Harm of DOGE Cuts | CLASP
• Executive Action Watch | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• EducationCounsel - Executive Actions Chart.docx - Google Docs
• Executive Action Spotlight - Protecting Immigrant Families

Take Action

• Child Care Messaging Post-Reconciliation (c3/c4) (Child Care for Every Family Network)
• Find in-person and online events here: CHN/partner events joint calendar
• SRA+SiX TOOLKIT: State Response to Federal Tax Bill
• Tell Congress: Save Head Start for Families (NWLC)
• Messaging Guide for Child Care (c3 version) (c4 version) (Child Care for Every Family Network)
• Interactive Data Dashboard (Center for American Progress)
• Click the link below for a full list of actions under "Federal Update"

Most Viewed Bills of the Week:

1.H.R.1 [119th] One Big Beautiful Bill Act

2.H.Res.719 [119th] Honoring the life and legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk.

3.H.R.867 [119th] IGO Anti-Boycott Act

4.H.R.5300 [119th] Department of State Policy Provisions Act

5.S.2296 [119th] National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

6.H.R.2548 [119th] Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025

7.S.Res.391 [119th] A resolution condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honoring his life and legacy.

8.S.Res.377 [119th] An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar.

9.H.Res.713 [119th] Censuring Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and removing her from the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on the Budget.

10.H.R.5371 [119th] Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026

R&R Network and Thriving Families CA Foundation 2025 Hybrid Joint Conference

In-Person Preliminary Workshop Program- Now Available!

Click Here to view the preliminary workshop program for the In-Person Conference.

Virtual workshop program coming soon! 

Registration

Register For the Virtual Portion of the Conference!

Register Online HERE.

Visit the Conference Webpage for more information as it becomes available.

CDSS & CDE Upcoming Events

Q3 Child Care Provider Webinar

Guest Speakers: California Department of Public Health: Information on immunization reporting, measles, and preparing for respiratory virus season.

Public Counsel: Critical information on provider’s rights and responsibilities during a visit from immigration agents, outlining necessary steps, and how to develop relevant written policies for these interactions.

📆 Date: Tuesday, September 30th

🕕 Time:  6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Secure your spot by registering early for this engaging webinar.

Register Here

PIN 25-09-CCP: CHILD CARE LICENSING WEBINARS

CCLD has released a new Provider Information Notice (PIN), PIN 25-09-CCP: CHILD CARE LICENSING WEBINARS

Primary Audience: ALL CHILD CARE LICENSEES AND PROVIDERS 

Summary: PIN 25-09-CCP provides Zoom registration information for the statewide Child Care Program webinar on September 30, 2025. 

An electronic copy of PIN 25-09-CCP: CHILD CARE LICENSING WEBINARS is available for viewing/downloading by clicking on the following link:

PIN 25-09-CCP: CHILD CARE LICENSING WEBINARS

Previous PINs are available at the CCLD website.

CDSS & CDE Information & Updates

RELEASED September 23, 2025: Child Care Bulletin 25-18: All Licensed Providers Displayed on Mychildcareplan.org Website

The California Department of Social Services Child Care and Development Division has recently posted the following document on its website: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 25-18: All Licensed Providers Displayed on Mychildcareplan.org Website.

The purpose of this CCB is to provide information about recent updates to the MyChildCarePlan.org Consumer Education Website for families seeking child care services. All licensed child care providers statewide are now included in the online directory, regardless of their referral status or affiliation with a local California Resource and Referral program.

Continued Funding Application Office Hours Information

Attention: Executive Directors and Program Directors of California State Preschool Programs  

This is a reminder that contractors holding a current California State Preschool Program (CSPP) contract, and if applicable a Prekindergarten and Family Literacy Support (CPKS) contract, who wish to be considered for continued funding for fiscal year (FY) 2026–27 must submit a Continued Funding Application (CFA).

The FY 2026–27 CFA is due November 14, 2025. Detailed instructions for completing and submitting the FY 2026–27 CFA are posted on the CDE CFA web page.

The Early Education Division (EED) will host Office Hours on the following dates to assist contractors with completing and submitting the CFA. Contractors are encouraged to attend these office hours to ask questions and receive technical assistance, as needed.

September 26, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)

October 3, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. PDT

October 10, 2025, 10 to 11 a.m. PDT

Select this link to join any of these Office Hours: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89078320354

Passcode: 730492

If you have any questions regarding the CFA process, please contact the CFA team by email at CFA@cde.ca.gov. Include your agency’s name, vendor number, and phone number on all inquiries.

STD 204 Form Update for Direct Deposit Transition

Dear Child Care and Development Contractors, 

The California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) Administration Division, in partnership with the Child Care and Development Division (CCDD), is currently working with Fi$cal, the state’s financial system, to establish a direct payment system from the State of California to CCDD contractors. The new direct deposit State system is expected to be implemented on or after January 1, 2026. The CDSS will be testing functionality in the Fall and will provide more information on how contractors will be impacted. We are committed to ensuring a seamless transition. The direct payment from CDSS to CCDD contractors streamlines the process, ensuring faster, more efficient payments. 

Click Here to Learn More.

PIN 25-14-CCLD: COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION (CCLD) COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION SURVEY

Primary Audience: ALL COMMUNITY CARE PROVIDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Summary: PIN 25-14-CCLD announces the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) Community Communication Survey. This survey allows respondents to provide feedback on CCLD’s communication with individuals and organizations involved in or impacted by licensed care services.

An electronic copy of PIN 25-14-CCLD: COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION (CCLD) COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION SURVEY is available for viewing/downloading by clicking on the following link:

 PIN 25-14-CCLD: COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION (CCLD) COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION SURVEY

Previous Pins are available at the CCLD website.

Please email RADDSurveyHelp@dss.ca.gov if you have any technical problems with the survey.

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, September 29 - October 3, 2025:

Tuesday, September 30th:

• TFC Foundation Weekly Member Connections Meeting @ 1:00 p.m. Email to register.
• Q3 Child Care Provider Webinar, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Register Here.
  

Wednesday, October 1st:

• TFC Public Policy Retreat @ 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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.