Ohio Leaders Voice Support for Bill to Expand Access to Quality Child Care
Child care is essential to keeping our workforce, businesses, and communities running. Unfortunately, too many working Ohioans with young children cannot afford the quality child care they need to remain in the workforce. A bipartisan bill in the Ohio House would expand access to quality child care, giving Ohioans the support they need to provide for their families.
This week, the Ohio House Families, Aging, and Human Services Committee held a hearing on House Bill 145, which will help more families access child care by expanding initial eligibility for the Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program from 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 200% of the FPL.
The bill – which was introduced by Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) and Rep. Andrea White (R-Kettering) – is receiving strong support from business leaders, child care and early childhood professionals, health care providers, parents, community organizations, and more. Check out our latest blog to read what they are saying about HB 145.
We're ONE WEEK away from our virtual Laying the Groundwork Summit: in the Ohio Senate. Join us on Friday, April 23 from 10:00-11:30 AM to hear the latest on the state biennial budget, what legislators are doing to elevate the needs of infants and toddlers, and how you can engage in early childhood advocacy at the Statehouse.
We can't wait to hear from our keynote speaker Rhian Evans Allvin, CEO for National Association for the Education of Young Children, as well as our legislative panel:
Senator Matt Dolan, Chair of Finance Committee
Senator Jay Hottinger, President Pro Tempore
Senator Vernon Sykes, Finance Committee Ranking Minority Member
Senator Kenny Yuko, Minority Leader
This event offers 1.5 hours of Ohio Approved Credit for participants who provide their OPIN number during registration and stay for the entire event.
Already registered? Help us spread the word on social media. Click here to download our toolkit.
This week, the Ohio House released its latest budget proposal, which will have major impacts on programs that serve infants, toddlers, and their families for the next two years. As the state budget process continues, we need your help to continue urging state legislators to make early childhood investment a priority in the budget.
Are you ready to engage in state budget advocacy? Sign up today to participate in our next virtual advocacy week challenge from April 26–April 30. We'll provide all the tips and tools you need to elevate your voice at the Statehouse.
Together, we can make this moment a movement!
Learn More About Black Maternal Health Policy in Ohio
Want to learn more about Black maternal health policy and how Ohio measures up to other states?
Join us Friday, April 16 at 1:30 PM for a discussion on Black maternal health in Ohio and nationwide, the importance of midwives and doulas, and opportunities for advocacy in Black maternal health efforts.
During the webinar, you'll hear from Advocates for Ohio's Future, the Center for Community Solutions, the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio, Groundwork Ohio, and Restoring Our Own Through Transformation (ROOTT).
Grant Opportunity for Organizations Focused on BIPOC/ALAANA Communities
Groundwork Ohio is excited to share an exciting grant opportunity for Ohio organizations focused on young children and families in BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)/ALAANA(African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, Native American) communities.
The Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI), under the leadership of the JB and MK Pritzker Family Foundation, is committed to supporting organizations led by and focused on the needs of young children and families in BIPOC/ALAANA communities. To that end, PCI is inviting such organizations in select states including Ohio to apply for a grant to support work on issues that most impact the needs of families, beginning prenatally, and infants and toddlers.
Eligible organizations have until May 15, 2021 to contact PCI if you are interested in applying. Click here for more information on who is eligible to apply for the grant and how to apply.
Join fellow educators from across the country for the award-winning professional development event for early childhood educators! The Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children invites you to attend The Early Childhood Conference from Thursday, April 22 through Saturday, April 24.
With distinguished keynote speakers and more than 50 topics and 125+ sessions, this virtual event offers excellent opportunities to learn, connect, and share with fellow early childhood professionals. Conference attendees can also earn more than 20 hours of Ohio Approved Professional Credit.
Want to increase your impact? Share this message with family, friends, and colleagues now!
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