July 2021 Monthly Update
MEMBERSHIP
We are pleased to welcome the following organizations as new NCFN members!
Family Child Care Association of San Francisco
The full list of NCFN Members is available on the NCFN website.
RESEARCH & REPORTS
How Policy Can Maximize Children’s Potential by Addressing Systemic Racism
A recent EdNote blog post from Al Race of the Harvard Center on the Developing Child explores policies to address systemic racism and maximize children’s potential. Key strategies include strengthening policies that provide economic support to families; investing in place-based interventions; and taking steps to reduce cultural racism. Read the blog >
POLICY UPDATE
Federal Appropriations
The FY 2022 Appropriations process for the U.S. House of Representatives has begun. Appropriations Subcommittees are seeking to mark up their funding bills by the week of July 12 and House leaders are eyeing the last two weeks in July to bring the measures to the floor for a vote. The Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet announced a markup schedule, making it increasingly likely that a continuing resolution (CR) will be needed to keep the federal government open past September 30.
NCFN is advocating for the inclusion of language to incentivize the collection of data on the condition, quality, and availability of child care facilities in the FY 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services and Related Agencies bill.
Infrastructure Bill Update
President Biden endorsed the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure agreement to build roads, bridges, broadband, and other traditional infrastructure projects. The framework, negotiated by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Rob Portman (R-OH) would include close to $600 billion in new spending. Questions remain as to the bill’s size and scope. Passage in the Senate will require the support of at least ten Republicans in order to reach the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster, assuming unanimous support from Senate Democrats. It is unclear at this point if the Administration and Senate Democrats would support an infrastructure proposal that leaves out other priorities on climate, housing, and domestic spending.
Treasury Awards Funds to CDFIs in Support of Economic Relief
The Treasury Department awarded $1.25 billion in COVID-19 relief funds to 863 community development financial institutions (CDFIs).
House Bill Would Require SBA Guidance for Small Child Care Businesses
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-GA-5) introduced the “Convening Operations Assistance for Childcare Heroes Act (COACH Act)” to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publish or update a resource guide for small businesses operating as child care providers. Guidance must include information on operations; finances; compliance with relevant laws; training and safety; and quality. Read the bill >
$1 Million in Child Care Funding for the County of San Diego Included in House Appropriations Bill
Last month the House Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee released its fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations bill with $1 million in funds for the County of San Diego’s Child Care Expansion Fund. The funds would be used to cover pre-development, acquisition, and renovation costs to help small child care businesses (both center-based and home-based) expand and address the acute shortage of child care. Federal funds would be matched by impact investors and philanthropy on at least a 2:1 basis, with NCFN Member Mission Driven Finance administering the funds. This bill must pass the full House as well as the Senate before it can be signed into law by President Biden.
NCFN Hosts Successful Child Care Facilities Day of Action on Social Media
On June 17, NCFN and our partners took to social media to ask Congress to invest in child care facility upgrades that improve quality and expand supply. Several industry partners and lawmakers joined the conversation, indicating broad support for investments in child care facilities. NCFN will continue to advocate for child care infrastructure investments as congress negotiates over the coming weeks and months.
State Policy Spotlight
California Budget Restores $250 Million for Child Care Infrastructure Grant Program
California Governor Gavin Newson signed the 2021-22 state budget deal last week, which includes $250 million for the Early Learning and Care Infrastructure Grant Program: $150 million from the General Fund and $100 million from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This funding restores what was previously swept from the program in 2020 as the state prepared to meet the economic challenges associated with the pandemic. After the budget is signed, additional budget trailer bills will likely be released and may include statutory language for the grant program and additional facilities funding. The details of these trailer bills continue to be worked out between the Legislature, Governor, and the relevant Departments.
Colorado Enacts Employer-Based Child Care Facility Grant Program
Last month Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill that includes $8.8 million for an employer-based child care facility grant program to support workforce participation and to provide safe, stable, and quality care for their employees’ children. The funds are intended to encourage employers to construct, remodel, renovate, or retrofit on-site or near-site child care facilities. The program requires a 50% match from for-profit companies or a 25% match from nonprofit organizations. Funds will begin by September 1, 2021 and the program will operate through July 1, 2024. Read the bill >