Risk of Coverage Loss without Increased Allocations
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has unveiled plans to boost state spending on early learning and child care programs over the next two fiscal years. According to Youngkin, failure to increase funding could result in families losing coverage starting in March 2024. The governor is set to present the full two-year budget plan, which includes this proposal, to state lawmakers on December 20.
Ensuring Access and Meeting Families’ Needs
Speaking about the proposal, Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of serving the current population and ensuring that funds support children based on their parents’ wishes. This initiative forms one part of the comprehensive two-year budget plan that the administration is developing. While Virginia governors’ introduced budgets often undergo significant revisions, they provide a starting point for negotiations and offer insight into the governor’s priorities. Governor Youngkin’s formal presentation is anticipated to highlight specific elements and garner public support for his ideas. Notably, early childhood advocates and young students from a child care center were present during the governor’s speech.
Key Highlights of the Proposal
According to Governor Youngkin’s remarks and a preliminary outline released by his office, the budget will call for over $448 million in spending each fiscal year for the initiative titled “Building Blocks for Virginia Families.” This represents an increase of $180 million annually from current levels. The funding will help ensure that low-income working families currently receiving public support continue to do so. Additionally, $25 million will be directed to a capital fund aimed at reducing child care deserts, while $10 million per year will be allocated for “direct-to-child care education incentives” to address teacher shortages.
Prioritizing Families and Recognizing Challenges
During his speech, Governor Youngkin acknowledged the well-documented struggles faced by parents in the United States when seeking affordable and high-quality child care. He also cited reports of women leaving the workforce due to child care-related concerns during the pandemic. Drawing from personal experience, the governor recounted his own mother’s juggling act of parenting and work, including picking him up from daycare.
Legislative Focus and Support
The issue of early childhood education and child care will also be a focal point for House Democrats in the 2024 legislative session. Morgan Hopkins, the communications director for the caucus, emphasized their commitment to prioritize funding for students, teachers, and early childhood education. Hopkins expressed enthusiasm for addressing these matters as the majority party in the upcoming session.
