On Wednesday, Jan. 27, UNITE-LA, joined by the L.A. Partnership for Early Childhood Investment, unveiled “The Economic Benefits of a Professional Early Care and Education Workforce in L.A. County.” CA FWD covered our webinar in an article written by Ed Coghlan, communications and news expert. The UNITE-LA commissioned report, prepared by Beacon Economics, shows the effects of paying ECE workers wages that match qualifications. Child care is critical to reopening the economy. Essential workers need access to child care and given the result of temporary/permanent closures, they have no child care options. The report showed that if L.A. County added public spending on ECE programs, it would annually generate up to:

• 47,000 – 55,000 jobs
• An economic output of $5.2 – $8.1 billion
• Labor income of $3.5 - $5.5 billion
• Federal, state and local tax revenue of $1 - $1.5 billion

Those in virtual attendance of the report unveiling had the opportunity to hear from Beacon Economics Founding Partner, Dr. Chris Thornberg. He was joined by Tonia McMillian, Chair, Early Childhood Master Plan Workforce Committee. You can view the full report here.