Latest news with #PayEquityFund
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘We need the funding to be able to do the work': DC early childcare providers, advocates push for fully funded pay equity for teachers
WASHINGTON () — Several childcare center providers, educators and families across the District took over Freedom Plaza for National Day Without Childcare, a nationwide action highlighting the urgent need for stronger investment in early childhood education. Advocates on Monday said they want D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to uphold and expand funding for the Pay Equity Fund, a program that helps close the wage gap between early childhood educators and their K-12 counterparts. 'If we lose the workforce, we lose the quality that goes along with that,' said Jamal Berry, President and CEO of Educare Washington, D.C. He said that while his center fundraises to help close salary gaps, the Pay Equity Fund has made a significant difference. Maryland, Virginia Senators to host roundtable discussion on El Salvador's human rights record 'There's a clear difference between what local and federal funding pays and what we know teachers deserve,' Berry explained. 'The Pay Equity Fund helped us bridge that gap. We've been able to take a lead teacher with a master's degree from around $50,000 up to $75,000.' Although the fund was spared from proposed cuts last year, advocates say more is needed. 'This year, we want to prevent that from happening and hold [Bowser] to her word,' said Megan Salmon with Spaces and Action. 'She has promised to fund it to its previous levels, but that's still not enough. We still are going to need about another $10 million to fully fund the program to its needs.' While adults rallied for change, children enjoyed a festive day with face painting, games, music and more at Freedom Plaza, bringing energy to the cause. 'It's super important for [Bowser] to keep her promises to send that clear message that early childhood matters. Children matter to families. And why does it matter? We need the funding to be able to do the work,' Berry said. Organizers say they are also closely watching actions in Congress that could impact D.C.'s budget. Another rally is planned for Wednesday as advocacy efforts continue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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.
