UNITE-LA is proud to share that 38 business organizations from across California have signed on to our annual budget letter in support of increased early care and education (ECE) reimbursement rates.

This marks a significant milestone and reflects the strength of a growing network of business leaders who understand that a strong, well-funded early care and education system is essential to both economic growth and workforce stability. The letter addressed that to ensure families have access to quality care, it is necessary that the ECE workforce has fair pay and sustainable funding. Implementing a reimbursement rate system that reflects the true cost of providing care is critical to retaining skilled educators and expanding access—especially when only 11 percent of the 2.1 million eligible children are currently enrolled in subsidized child care. Pay parity with TK-3 educators would not only strengthen the sector but also generate increased tax revenue and long-term economic benefits for the state. Read the full letter.