{"id":6266,"date":"2025-04-24T10:58:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T18:58:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.threadalaska.org\/learn-and-grow\/blog\/an-important-update-to-alaska-child-care-policy-your-voice-is-needed"},"modified":"2025-04-24T11:26:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T19:26:03","slug":"an-important-update-to-alaska-child-care-policy-your-voice-is-needed","status":"publish","type":"learn-and-grow-blog","link":"https:\/\/www.threadalaska.org\/learn-and-grow\/blog\/an-important-update-to-alaska-child-care-policy-your-voice-is-needed","title":{"rendered":"An Important Update to Alaska Child Care Policy: Your Voice Is Needed!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

thread<\/strong> is sharing an important update on where things stand in this year\u2019s State legislative session\u2014and what\u2019s happening with the child care priorities we\u2019ve been tracking and supporting alongside you over the past several months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, it\u2019s been a roller coaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right now, child care funding in Alaska is uncertain\u2014and at worst, could face significant cuts. Even the historic investments we celebrated last year are now at risk due to a tough state budget environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this mean?<\/strong> It means keeping child care funding secure in the state budget will take all of us: parents, early educators, community leaders, businesses, and most importantly, more champions inside the legislature. Even then, there are no guarantees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past month, thread<\/strong> has held more than 100 meetings with legislators to advocate for child care priorities. Our message has been clear: anything less than maintaining current levels of funding will fail Alaska\u2019s families, let down essential early educators, and slow our economic growth. But we cannot do this alone\u2014we need your voice, loud and clear, right now.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the latest updates\u2014and what you can do to help:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
$7.725 Million in Child Care Grants \u2013 Being Considered By the Senate<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Currently, $7.725 million in new child care grants was just passed by the State House! Two amendments that would have cut child care funding also failed. That\u2019s encouraging to see so much support for child care and early education on the House side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the State Senate is now considering the operating budget. Senate leaders have indicated they will not consider new additions to the budget without new revenue. That means without a change, there\u2019s a serious risk that no new funding\u2014child care or otherwise\u2014moves forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Can Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a moment to reach out to call your Senator. Thank them for their support of child care funding from last year and remind them that it remains a priority for your family, your work, and your community this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Click here to contact your local Senator and share that the child care grants are needed. <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Child Care Legislation: Senate Bills 95 & 96<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

You may remember last year\u2019s comprehensive child care bill (House Bill 89), which passed. However, due to a legal challenge about how it was packaged with other policies, the legislature must re-pass the child care provisions this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new bills\u2014Senate Bill 95 and Senate Bill 96\u2014would:<\/p>\n\n\n\n