Over 50 business leaders from across Texas have signed a letter to Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, and Speaker Phelan, to pass critical legislation this session that protects child care providers, increases access to quality child care and early learning for young children, and supports working parents of young children. These businesses join CHILDREN AT RISK and a host of nonprofits to show their dedication to ensuring that quality child care is a top priority during the 87th Texas Legislative Session.
Child care is the small, silent engine that drives Texas businesses. If our young children cannot access quality child care, much of our Texas workforce cannot return to work. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the essential role early learning and child care plays in our economy – it is the overlooked sector that makes all other work possible.
Take Action to support our Early Childhood Education advocacy efforts!
On Wednesday, March 24, at 8:00 a.m., early childhood education experts will testify at the International Relations and Economic Development Committee hearing on key legislation that will enhance Texas’ ability to increase the quality of early education; ensure accountability for how state dollars are spent on child care, and provide support to enhance the child care workforce.
Children at Risk and Texas Prenatal to Three partners (TXPN3) will testify in support of the following bills:
- HB 619 / (S. Thompson | et al.) – Relating to developing a strategic plan to support the child-care workforce. Read our One-Pager
- HB 1364 / (Romero | et al.) – Relating to referring children to local workforce development boards for subsidized child care services. Read our One-Pager
- HB 1695 / (Raney) – Relating to establishing reimbursement rates for certain child-care providers participating in the subsidized child-care program administered by the Texas Workforce Commission. Read our One-Pager
- HB 1792 / (Button | Talarico) – Relating to the evaluation of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program. Read our Factsheet
- HB 1964 / (Lopez) – Relating to a study on the cost of providing quality child care in this state in comparison to family income. Read our One-Pager
- HB 2607 / (Talarico | Button) – Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of child care and the subsidized child care program. Read our One-Pager
Are you a Champion for Children?
For the 7.3 million children in Texas, you can be by giving a monthly recurring donation to Children at Risk.
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