California State Budget, Legislature & The Capitol

California Budget Updates



To support our field keeping up with budget related information, TFC will host updates and information on our Budget Page. any questions.

Upcoming Child Care Budget Hearings:

• Thursday, April 3, 2024 - Senate Budget Subcommittee 3 on Health and Human Services @ 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment of session - 1021 O Street, Room 1200
• Department of Social Services
• Child Welfare and Foster Care
• Child Care and Development
• Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - Joint Hearing - Assembly Budget Subcommittee 2 on Human Services & Budget Subcommittee 3 on Education Finance @ 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol Room 444 (may change)
• Department of Social Services
• Education
• The State of Preschool and Child Care
• Universal Transitional Kindergarten Enrollment and Ratios
• Child Care and Preschool
• Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
• Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) State Plan Update
• Quality Plan Overview
• Fire Code for Child Care Facilities Oversight
• Department of Social Services Child Care Budget Change Proposals

Click here to go to TFC's Budget Page.

CalMatters: California’s Medi-Cal shortfall hits $6.2 billion with ‘unprecedented’ cost increases

Last week, California health care officials told the Legislature that the state will need another $2.8 billion to pay Medi-Cal providers through the end of the fiscal year. This amount is in addition to a $3.4 billion loan that the administration told the Legislature it needed in order to make critical payments for Medi-Cal.

“With the loan and these additional funds, the administration anticipates being able to manage expenditures for the remainder of the current year,” said Michelle Bass, director of the Department of Health Care Services, which oversees Medi-Cal.

Medi-Cal covers nearly 15 million Californians, with current enrollment growth outpacing prior state projections. Starting January 1, 2024 the state expanded coverage to eligible undocumented adults and income-eligible seniors. Pharmacy costs have also contributed to higher than anticipated spending.

House Republicans recently voted to advance a proposal that could result in cuts of $880 billion to a group of programs, largely Medicaid, over the next 10 years. According to some estimates, that could translate into annual losses of $10 billion to $20 billion a year for California, an amount that state officials have said the state would not be able to backfill. Read more here.

Joint Briefing on California State Revenues

Hosted by SEIU California, the California Budget & Policy Center, the California Tax Reform Association, and GRACE – End Child Poverty CA.

"Please join us to learn more about the current status of state revenues, the impact on pending federal budget cuts and the need for a robust and equitable revenue system that meets the needs of Californians, including investments in refundable tax credits for Californians with low incomes."

Register to attend in-person or virtually here.

TFC's Featured Bill of the Week

AB 607 (Rodriguez) CalWORKs: Home Visting Program

Author: Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez

Assemblymember Celeste Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, that consists of portions of Los Angeles County, including the whole City of San Fernando and the communities of Rancho Cascades in the Northwest, Sylmar in the North, Pacoima, Arleta, Panorama City, and Sun Valley in the middle, and Valley Glen.

Raised in the Northeast Valley, Assemblymember Rodriguez was raised by immigrant parents who instilled in her the values of service and social justice. 

Professionally, Rodriguez has focused on lifting families out of poverty, including her work on homelessness prevention as part of the LA Mayor’s Homelessness Services Team. As Deputy Director of Community Development Strategies, she oversaw LA’s Guaranteed Basic Income pilot, Child Savings Accounts, and initiatives to empower vulnerable families.

How to Support a Bill

As bills move through California’s legislative process, they are presented to and heard by several committees who may recommend amendments and vote on whether or not the bill should continue through the legislative process.

As legislators decide how to vote, they consider public opinion as expressed through position letters. To support a bill, you can submit your letter through the California Legislature Position Letter Portal.

If you have any questions, contact TFC staff!

Important Dates, Deadlines,

Hearings, and Bills

Dates & Deadlines:

• April 10, 2025 - Spring recess upon adjournment.

Upcoming Bill Hearings:

• ASM Human Services Committee - Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 @ 1:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 437
• AB 607 (Rodriguez) CalWORKs: Home Visiting Program.
• ASM Health Committee - Tuesday, March, 2025 @ 1:30 p.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 1100
• AB 73 (Jackson) Mental Health: Black Mental Health Navigator Certification.
• AB 661 (Lee) The California Guaranteed Income Statewide Feasibility Study Act.
• AB 963 (Lee) CalFresh Fruit and Vegetable Supplemental Benefits Program.
• ASM Housing and Community Development Committee - Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m. - State Capitol, Room 437
• AB 282 (Pellerin) Discrimination: housing: source of income.
• ASM Health Committee - Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 @ 1:30 p.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 1100 Letters Due 03/26 @ noon
• AB 29 (Arambula) Medi-Cal: Adverse Childhood Experiences trauma screenings: providers.
• SEN Education Committee - Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m. - 1021 O Street, Room 2100 Letters Due 03/28 @ noon
• SB 271 (Reyes) Public postsecondary education: students with dependent children: childcare services, resources, and programs
• SEN Human Services Committee - Monday, April 7th, 2025 @ 3 p.m. or upon adjournment of Session - 1021 O Street, Room 2200 Letters Due 04/01 @ noon
• SB 99 (Blakespear) Family childcare homes: United States Armed Forces.
• SB 778 (Limon) Migrant childcare and development programs

Recently Introduced Bills to Watch:

The following bills of interest have been introduced. You can follow these bills and more on TFC's State Legislation page on our website. Please note that TFC does not formally support nor oppose any bill listed unless explicitly stated.

• AB 49 (Muratsuchi) Schoolsites and day care centers: entry requirements: immigration enforcement. 
• AB 282 (Pellerin) Discrimination: housing: source of income
• AB 563 (Jackson) - Childcare: strategic planning councils

Legislative Resources:

• See the full 2025-26 Legislative Calendar here.
• Visit TFC's Legislation Page to find a comprehensive list of bills of interest.
• Visit TFC's Budget Page for full budget bill details, as well as budget hearing video archive links.
• Click here to view all the bills that the Assembly and Senate introduced this legislative year.
• Click here to view legislative committee information, rules, and position letter deadlines.

Did You Know?

Child Care Q&A's

NOTE: If you have a question you would like answered or researched, please email.

Question: Will child care provider Cost of Care monthly payments continue?

Answer: Yes. Enacted in the 2024-25 Budget and referenced to continue in the 2025-26 Proposed Budget, this monthly amount will continue.

Federal Update

New Resource from the First Five Years Fund: How a Lack of Affordable Child Care Impacts the Economy

Two-thirds of all children ages five and under need some form of child care because all of the adults in their home are working. But child care remains both expensive and scarce. As a direct result, the national economy loses $122 billion every year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue. According to the factsheet, California has the largest lost economic output of any state - it loses over $17 billion each year due to the child care crisis.

Click here to download the factsheet and find out how much child care challenges cost in each state.

Resources from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CSPP)

New Report: Congressional Republicans Can’t Cut Medicaid by Hundreds of Billions Without Hurting People -

"CBPP estimates that 36 million Medicaid enrollees could be at risk of having their coverage taken away under various work requirement proposals — a loss that would affect people in every state. Work requirements are burdensome and unnecessary because 92 percent of people who receive Medicaid are already working full or part time, or they are not working because they are a caregiver, have an illness or disability, or are attending school." Click here to read more on the policies being considered and how it is estimated to impact each state.

New Resource: Executive Action Watch - CSPP's new resource, Executive Action Watch, tracks the Trump administration's measures and explains their impact on low- and moderate-income people and the programs people use to help meet their essential needs. Click here to read more.

Click here to read the most recent weekly federal update from the National Women's Law Center.

03/17 Federal Government Update

This afternoon, the US Senate approved the House’s Continuing Resolution (CR), sending it to the President’s desk for signature. This bill will serve as FY25 appropriations and fund the federal government through September 30th, 2025.

This partisan CR does not simply kick the can through September: it gives the President new power to decide how taxpayer dollars are spent, takes resources away from Americans’ health care and education, and boosts funding for the Pentagon and mass deportations. 

The bill cuts funding for nondefense programs and services by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion compared to fiscal year 2024 enacted levels. More: Full-Year Continuing Resolution Allows Elon Musk and President Trump to Accelerate the Stealing of Funds from American Families and Businesses

As a reminder, Congress is conducting two separate budget processes. They are concurrently working on annual appropriations for FY26, which determines discretionary yearly spending (e.g., CCDBG Head Start), and a reconciliation bill, which affects mandatory spending (e.g., Medicaid, CCES, and SNAP).

Reconciliation 

What this means and why it matters:

• Republican majorities in both chambers are planning to eliminate and cut funding to programs that families, children, and early educators rely on in order to pay for harsh immigration policies and tax cuts for billionaires and corporations. With less revenue available, CCDBG, Head Start, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Social Services Development Block Grant (SSBG), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and many others remain at risk.
• What proposed federal budget cuts and policy changes will cost children | First Focus on Children
• Cuts to SSBG, TANF Would Eliminate Child Care for 40K Children, Disrupt Care for Millions More | CLASP
• How Would Children Fare Under Proposed Cuts to Federal Spending? | Urban Institute
• President Trump, Congressional Republican Proposals Would Shift Large Costs to States, Inflict Widespread Harm | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
• We know that federal funding for programs serving our communities is woefully inadequate, and further cuts would be devastating.

What’s next:

• As a reminder, each chamber passed its own distinct budget proposal. Agreeing to the same budget blueprint in both chambers is step one in advancing the President’s agenda via the fast-track reconciliation process—and we’re not even there yet. 
• If Republicans are going to advance a bill that can become law, they’ll need to take a third step, one in which both chambers agree to the same budget proposal. 
• Bottom line: there’s a long way to go before this agenda is even close to becoming law.
• NEW: Republicans fear time is running out to pass Trump’s agenda - POLITICO
• Please continue to speak out about the critical importance of maintaining access to federal funding, not cutting funding for children, families, & educators, and increasing those funds through annual appropriations.
• More on reconciliation: Budget Reconciliation Talking Points and Background (Child Care for Every Family Network)

Layoffs at the Administration for Children and Families & Department of Education

This week, the Department of Education announced a significant reduction in force (RIF) that, together with other recent employment actions, reduces the agency’s workforce by nearly 50%. In its press release, USED described the RIF as part of the agency’s “final mission,” referencing Secretary McMahon’s first message to the staff. Education Reform Now has prepared this series of charts describing the cuts across offices based on a list of positions cut. 

Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), issued the following response: NWLC Responds to Trump Administration’s Plan to Gut Education Department Staff

Additionally, about 20% of staff at the Office of Head Start and Office of Child Care have been fired. Together, these offices support communities across the country, including by providing grants to improve access to early childhood education, childhood health and wellbeing, and access to affordable child care and afterschool programs. Without staff to process applications and dispense grants, literacy outcomes, school readiness, and the worsening child care crisis will continue to deteriorate – particularly for the low-income families eligible for these programs. 

Still developing as of Friday, March 14th: Judges order Trump to rehire probationary workers let go in mass firings | AP News

NEW: Attacks on the Federal Workforce: Risks to Women, Children, and Families - National Women's Law Center

Most Viewed Bills of the Week:

1.H.R.1968 [119th] Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

2.H.Con.Res.14 [119th] Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

3.H.R.1936 [119th] To prohibit funds for the Armed Forces to engage in operations to invade or seize territory from Canada, the Republic of Panama, or the self-governing territory of Greenland.

4.H.R.10127 [118th] Restoring Trade Fairness Act

5.H.R.28 [119th] Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025

6.S.1006 [119th] A bill to prohibit Federal employees from organizing, joining, or participating labor unions for purposes of collective bargaining or representation, and for other purposes.

7.H.R.8281 [118th] SAVE Act

8.H.R.22 [119th] SAVE Act

9.H.R.1161 [119th] Red, White, and Blueland Act of 2025

10.S.331 [119th] HALT Fentanyl Act

CDSS & CDE Upcoming Events

Quarterly Child Care Provider Webinar March 2025

Announcing Statewide Child Care Program webinar on March 25, 2025.

Guest Speakers: California Department of Public Health: Cold & Flu Best Practices & Fire Disaster Recovery

Date: Tuesday, March 25

 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Secure your spot by registering early for this engaging webinar. Register Here

Contact Information ChildCareAdvocatesProgram@dss.ca.gov

Early Childhood Policy Council Meeting Notice and Agenda

Please join us for our March 26th meeting of the Early Childhood Policy Council. The Meeting Agenda and Draft Budget Letter for this meeting are now available on the Early Childhood Policy Council website.  

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Physical Meeting Information: 

1000 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

WestEd, 5th floor, Capitol Room

Virtual Meeting Information:

Please use this Zoom link to register in advance for the meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting

Contractor Connections: Announcement for Upcoming Training Webinar 

Greetings Child Care and Development Executive Directors and Program Directors,

This a reminder that the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Child Care and Development Division (CCDD), will host the training webinar Program Self Evaluation on March 26, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The training webinars are appropriate for new and veteran staff. The webinar presentations will be free on Zoom and will be recorded and made available on the CDSS’ website for continuing educational purposes.

Click here to register in advance for this webinar.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar. Please e-mail the Program Quality Improvement Branch inbox for questions or concerns.

CDSS & CDE Information & Updates

CCB 25-04: Program Self-Evaluation for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently published the following document: Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 25-04: Program Self-Evaluation for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin is to describe the requirements for the Program Self-Evaluation of California Department Social Services (CDSS) subsidized child care and development contractors. Within the bulletin, guidance is provided on the submission requirements for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Program Self Evaluation (PSE) as well as a list of all the required documents to be maintained onsite by contract type.

One survey per contractor is required, regardless of the number of contract types held. Individual Family Child Care Providers do not complete a PSE survey.

The CCDD PSE Webinar is scheduled for March 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please register for the PSE Webinar.

CCB 25-03: Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children Intercounty and Interstate Placements

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) has recently published the following document:  Child Care Bulletin (CCB) 25-03: Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children Intercounty and Interstate Placements

The purpose of this Child Care Bulletin (CCB) is to provide guidance to counties participating in the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program for Foster Children (Bridge Program) on intercounty or interstate claiming processes.

If you have any questions or need additional guidance regarding the information in this letter, please contact the County Child Care Operations Section at ChildCareBridge@dss.ca.gov.

PIN 25-04-CCLD - Fee Waivers in Response to the January 2025 Fires and Windstorm Conditions in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

CCLD has released a new Provider Information Notice (PIN),

PIN 25-04-CCLD - Fee Waivers in Response to the January 2025 Fires and Windstorm Conditions in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties

PIN 25-04-CCLD notifies Adult and Senior Care (ASC), Child Care Program (CCP),and Children’s Residential (CRP) Program licensees and providers that the Director of the California Department of Social Services will be using the authority provided in the Governor’s Proclamation and State of Emergency Executive Orders N-2-25 and N-3-25 to waive licensing fees for those impacted by the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Upcoming Thriving Families CA (TFC) Events

Thriving Families CA (TFC) is excited to announce an informational training event in Anaheim, CA designed to empower our community and foster collaboration.

This Statewide Meeting presents a unique opportunity for participants to come together, share valuable insights and experiences, and explore innovative ideas that will shape policies and enhance best practices in our field.

Over the course of two enriching days, attendees will have the chance to engage in a multi-track workshop format, catering to diverse interests and ensuring that every stakeholder finds relevant and impactful content.

Together, we can strengthen our collective efforts to create THRIVING environments for children and families.

We hope you can join us!

Learn More and Register Here!

Thriving Families CA (TFC) Member Highlight

TFC Member CDA Expands Services with New Client Services Center in National City

CDA is excited to announce the opening of our new Client Services Center in National City! This expansion increases access to critical resources for families and child care providers, offering support for Child Care Payment Program enrollment, resource connections, and referrals to additional services.

Since 1974, CDA has been creating opportunities for families to thrive. As a San Diego community-based nonprofit with over 300 employees, we are dedicated to positive change in our local community. Founded by a single mother who recognized the importance of high-quality child care and family support services, CDA remains committed to its mission: to empower and promote the well-being of families, child care providers, and the greater community through financial and support services.

For 50 years, CDA has helped families access child care and supported providers’ success. Through our Child Care Payment Program, a parental choice program, we help eligible families secure the care that best meets their needs, ensuring children receive high-quality care while parents pursue work and/or education.

With this expansion, CDA is deepening its impact, now supporting 9,460 families, 17,773 children, and 4,158 child care providers across San Diego County. The National City Client Services Center represents another milestone in our mission to help families thrive.

This new location will also house a Family Resource Team, providing personalized guidance to help families and providers connect with essential community resources. To learn more about CDA, our programs, and our impact, visit cdasd.org.

Social Media Spotlight

Follow TFC on social media!

We would love for you to tag us in your posts and use the hashtag #TFC2025

On Our Reading List

Information & Updates

Happening This Week, March 24-28, 2025:

Tuesday, March 25th:

• TFC Weekly Member Connections Meeting @ 1:00 pm. Email to register.
• Quarterly Child Care Provider Webinar March 2025 from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Register Here.

Wednesday, March 26th:

• Program Self Evaluation Webinar from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register Here.
• Early Childhood Policy Council Workforce and Parent Advisory Meeting from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Register Here.

Thursday, March 27th:

• ECPCA, SEIU, CTRA and Budget Center Briefing: CA State Revenues from 12:30 - 2:00 pm. Register to attend virtually or in-person here.

Thriving Families California is committed to supporting our field with a coordinated calendar. Click here to see current calendar of events. If you have an event to add, email us and it will be added.

The Weekly Good

An uplifting way to start the week, for those of us who need a break from the chaos that is our lives.

During this time where we are all stressed, it would be great to celebrate the positive. Each week we will celebrate everyday heroes, inspiring movements and great things happening in our field. 

Thank You to Our Generous 2024-25 Thriving Families CA (TFC) Champions!

We appreciate the tremendous support from our 2024-25 TFC Champion Members. These members have stepped up, making it possible for TFC to support our field with more tailored support of individual organizations, ability to pay for legal, advocacy and social media supports, enhanced regional trainings, improving data collection, and more.