25-04-2025
DC mayor reveals part of FY26 budget, some childcare programs fully funded
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — On Thursday, Mayor Muriel Bowser revealed the first portion of her FY26 budget, which is already receiving approval from childcare advocates.
The mayor's office announced that the proposed budget will include fully funding the following programs: $19.5 million in local funds for the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP), $70 million in local dollars for the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, and $86 million for the DC Child Care Subsidy Program.
'We know that when we invest in our children and families, there are many benefits — for our children's learning and development, for our neighborhoods, and for keeping families in DC,' Bowser said in the press release.
'It's not a time to back off investing in the things that we know will make a difference in the long term,' DC Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn said in an interview following the announcement.
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According to the mayor's office, PKEEP 'supports pre-K seats for 3- and 4-year-olds outside of DC Public Schools and DC public charter schools.' The Pay Equity Fund helps offer competitive wages and healthcare to early educators. The DC Child Care Subsidy Program helps lower-income DC families pay for child care.
Martine Gordon, coalition director with the advocacy group Under 3 DC, said she is appreciative of the commitment.
'We're feeling very seen and very heard as a community,' she said.
Gordon said the dollars allocated may not expand the programs, but rather maintain their current levels. She said she will continue advocating for an expansion, but applauded the mayor.
'She clearly sees the importance of these programs for families to be able to work and stay in the District,' Gordon said of Bowser.
As DC works through a difficult budget period, Kihn said these programs are the types the Bowser administration does not want to cut.
'The foundation for any education is what occurs when you're three and four years old,' he said. 'That's why we continue to fund them.'
Bowser's full proposed FY26 budget has not yet been released, nor has Bowser said when it will be released.
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