For Immediate Release
Press Release 4/14/2015
Contacts: Sophia Bracy Harris: 334-262-3456
Deborah Thomas: 334-262-3456
PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS TO HURT MORE THAN 16,000 RECEIVING CHILDCARE SUBSIDY
Montgomery, AL-The Senate’s General Fund Committee has proposed 15 to 30 percent cuts to the General Fund Budget. The proposed budget cuts will threaten programs that are vital to children, working families and communities. If the Senate’s General Fund Committee budget proposal passes, the proposals would: Significantly cut funding for subsidized childcare, a program that supports parents’ work and children’s healthy development (Note: the program currently serves 28,000 children, the proposed cuts would reduce the number to 11,000)
The childcare subsidy dollars are essential in supporting Alabama’s economic development. With child care subsidies, parents can stay in the workforce. Safe and reliable child care facilities can continue operating and not lay off staff. Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama’s (FOCAL), Executive Director, Sophia Bracy Harris says “Just as we need roads and transportation to make commerce possible, we need high quality affordable child care that enables employees to work, knowing their children are safe. And child care doesn’t just create jobs; it makes just about every industry possible. Therefore cutting childcare will create a domino effect on the economy.”
Parents, providers, children, and advocates from across the state will hold a Press Conference:
When: Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 1pm
