Latest news with #EarlyChildhoodEducatorPayEquityFund
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
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. DC mayor announces significant freezes after Congress's $1.1 billion budget slash 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
24-04-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
While D.C. braces for cuts, Bowser proposes another boost for schools
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), previewing parts of her budget proposal for next year, said Thursday she wants to fund programs that reduce the cost of child care and pay stipends to preschool teachers. Together, the Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program, Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and D.C. Child Care Subsidy Program would cost $175.5 million, an almost $11 million increase from last year.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Education advocates call on DC leaders to protect youth programs
WASHINGTON () — As concerns continue to build over the , one group in particular could be hit hard by the potential cuts. Teachers are at risk of losing a portion of funding and programs for young people may be hit. This comes after a March Congressional resolution essentially nullified the District's pre-approved FY 2025 budget, reverting it to FY 2024 spending levels. In short, the resolution cut D.C.'s budget by $1.1 billion. Last week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a wave of significant service adjustments to government services, including hiring freezes, employee furloughs, facility closures and more. Many worry about the consequences Congress's budget cut could have on public safety, education and public works. DC mayor announces significant freezes after Congress's $1.1 billion budget slash On Tuesday, — a coalition of early childhood educators, health professionals, nonprofit advocacy groups and more — entered the Wilson Building to advocate for teachers and students. The group focused its energy toward the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund and the Child Care Subsidy Program, but their overall goal was to ask for early education programs to be spared from potential cuts. Coalition director Martine Gordon says that these programs are important for the future of D.C's education. 'We really really hope that DC Council … figure out a way to make sure that programs that are funded with local dollars are held as harmless as humanly possible,' said Gordon. 'This local budget, in particular, [and] programs that support families so that they can continue to live and work in the District.' Proposed federal bill would cut DC budget by roughly $1 billion, city officials say According to the director, the council had an emergency meeting Tuesday morning. Gordon, however, is still confident that their message will get across. 'We historically have a very good relationship with the council, and they're continuing to hear our message,' she said. 'I think everyone's a little bit nervous about this current budget season, but they've been very positive and receptive to us.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
