Events

Early Childhood Day at the Capitol Advocates for Gov. Hobbs’ $100 Million Proposal

The Arizona Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA) hosted its 8th annual Day at the Capitol for parents, advocates, and legislators to raise awareness of the importance of a child’s earliest years.  Children’s Action Alliance is a member of the alliance.  This year’s event focus was centered around the Governor’s budget proposal of $100 million in child care assistance to stave off a looming funding cliff facing child care providers and parents in Arizona.  Attendees toured the House of Representatives Floor with Rep. Consuelo Hernandez, met with legislators privately on the issue and were encouraged by the bipartisan panel discussion with Rep. Pawlik, Rep. Ortiz and Sen. Bennett with a special welcome from Rep. Alma Hernandez.  The lawmakers agreed child care assistance is a top priority for this legislative session as it intersects with the topic of housing availability and housing costs. Rep. Ortiz sponsored bill HB2266 (Appropriation; childcare assistance) will put the Governor’s plan into fruition by providing funds to the Department of Economic Security to provide child care assistance to eligible families. Also, Sen. Sundareshan is sponsoring the senate bill in support of the Governor’s proposal.

CAA stands with lawmakers and communities who are working on this issue to stabilize Arizona’s early care and education system.  Without child care funding assistance and the federal child care relief sunsetting in September, as many as one-third of Arizona’s child care programs could close and nearly 100,000 children and their families could lose the child care they depend on.

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Statement: Congress Turns Its Back on Families with Harmful Budget Bill

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives provided final passage of the federal budget bill, ushering in the largest cuts to health care and food assistance in our nation’s history. A statement from our Executive Director, January Contreras: “Just as economic uncertainty is rising, Congress is pulling…

News

Congress is Voting on a Budget and Your Voice is Needed

The federal budget bill is moving through Congress, bringing threats to the health and safety of children and families. This bill cuts billions from health care coverage and food assistance without acknowledging the true consequences of these cuts. This is simply going too far, too fast.  Make…

Children and Family Victories this Legislative Session and in the Arizona Budget

Arizona’s Governor and a bipartisan group of legislators came together to pass the state budget, which starts on July 1. The Arizona State Legislature also ended the legislative session. Children’s Action Alliance (CAA) applauds Arizona’s investment in early childhood, education, health, and family…