Mayor Bowser fund Child Care Covid-Budget NOW!

Write Mayor Bowser TODAY to let her know the current level of financial support has not been enough to meet the needs and urge her to allocate $60 million in recurring funds for enhancements to the child care subsidy program in her fiscal 2022 budget.

Why is this important?

-To save DC’s child care sector - and ensure parents can work and kids can learn - big, bold investments are needed!

- To ask that she budgets $60 million in recurring funds for DC’s child care subsidy program.

-Express your support for mental and behavioral health counseling services for young children, parents, and early learning teachers as the pandemic drags on.  

-Demand that she protects critical infant and maternal health development programs.  

We appreciate your support!

Ronald Jarrett

Under 3 DC Coalition Director

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Here is a sample letter to use:

Dear Mayor Bowser,

Thank you for directing your administration to try and help stabilize early childhood education during a global pandemic. Unfortunately, the level of financial support has not been enough to meet the needs. One-third of the District's child care centers remain closed. Without your immediate attention, I fear these closures will become permanent and that we could lose more.

Deputy Mayor Paul Kihn said during the budget forums that your administration believes there is a road to recovery that will ensure our city’s youngest residents have thriving childhoods. I am holding you accountable for that promise. Our youngest children are counting on you too.

I urge you to allocate $60 million in recurring funds for enhancements to the child care subsidy program in your fiscal 2022 budget. Stand by your administration’s commitment to support early childhood education. Build toward an equitable recovery by stabilizing early learning programs and increasing their reach to include more DC families, by increasing the pay of early learning educators, and sustaining mental health and family programs that have been critical to DC families during the pandemic.

Thank you,

Ronald Jarret

Under 3 DC, Coalition Director





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