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Governor’s Budget Revisions Cut Money For Transitional Kindergarten Classrooms
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Mariana Dale
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LAist
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Topline:
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting or reducing a number of early childhood programs in his May budget revision as the state faces a growing deficit. Lawmakers will need to approve the budget by June 15.
TK facilities funding: The governor’s proposal, released Friday, cuts $550 million that was supposed to go to a grant program to help school districts build or renovate transitional kindergarten (TK) classrooms. In his January budget, he had delayed that money until next fiscal year.
TK is a new grade that will be available for all 4-year-olds starting in the fall of 2025, and these young students need specific accommodations, like having a bathroom attached to a classroom.
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Home visiting: The state would also reduce funds by $47.1 million for the CalWorks home visiting program, which offers health and education resources to families with young children.
Child care slots: Also on hold is the expansion of state child care slots for low-income families. In 2021, state lawmakers passed legislation to phase in 200,000 new childcare slots by 2025-26; that number will stay around 119,000 until state revenue goes up.
Preschool inclusivity: The state had planned to invest money in its preschool program to support more students with disabilities. They're now planning to cut that money, but providers would continue to be required to serve at least 5% of students with disabilities, instead of 10%.
How To Submit A Public Comment To The State Legislature
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- Email budget feedback to the State Assembly: AsmBudget@asm.ca.gov
- Email budget feedback to the State Senate: SBUD.Committee@senate.ca.gov
- Find your state representatives and reach out to them directly here.
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