As we approach the end of state budget negotiations between Gov. Newsom and state leaders, UNITE-LA has submitted two, separate budget letters to the Governor and legislative leadership.

• The first budget letter is our yearly May Revise letter, which outlines policies and investments that we would like to see in the Governor's final budget. Such as:
  • Extending family fee waivers for child care and state preschool programs
  • A $20 million increase to support Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program
  • Continued support for Community Schools
  • Maintaining the Cal Grant and prioritizing financial aid delivery programs like Cash for College
  • $7 million, one-time increase to support Restorative Justice Practices
  • Continued investments to education and training opportunities, particularly for our historically marginalized youth

• The second budget letter focuses on Increasing Investments to Early Care and Education Equitable Fee Schedules (the amount families pay who do not qualify for subsidized care) and an Increase to Reimbursement Rates (which pay the workforce). In California, the child care system has been crumbling, with most child care providers, primarily women of color, paid at rates based on 2016 reimbursement rate data. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has increased daily living costs by 25 percent since 2016. We are grateful to the statewide business organizations and partners signed on to our letter!