A Message from the Director
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Our July Update
Legislative Session
Session has come to a close after the official Sine Die on June 27th! We will be sharing a more comprehensive recap, but we’re already preparing for the next phase of work: implementation. This is particularly going to be focused on the budget, and how we can absorb the programmatic reductions proposed by the Legislature. We are committed to reducing direct impacts on children and families, so we want to have the most accurate information to work from as we assess budget impacts. This means taking the time to close out the 23-25 biennium to fully assess funding availability, and communicating as we learn more.
While we did not see significant new investments, there has been a lot of discussion about early learning and child care amongst legislators, particularly as it relates to our DELC budget. It’s clear that there are a lot of champions for our work and recognition that investments in the early years of children’s lives are critical. More to come, and thank you to everyone who showed up or participated in the process and worked to add their voice on issues that impact children and providers to benefit the early learning community. DELC’s policy bills were made stronger as a result of the many partners, Tribes, and families who provided input along the way.
Taking Time
On a personal note, I wanted to share that I will be taking maternity leave this fall, from approximately September through December. We are working on transition plans over the next several weeks and you can expect to hear more from our Executive Leadership Team in my absence. I have appreciated everyone’s support as my husband and I prepare for this new journey!