Senate Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2019, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill

Earlier today, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a FY 2019 spending package by a 30-1 vote that proposes funding levels for child care and other early childhood programs for next year. The bill includes $5.3 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which is the same level the House Appropriations Committee proposed earlier this month, and honors the two-year congressional budget deal. The legislation urges states to use the funding to assist in compliance with the 2014 law and expand access to quality, affordable care.

In addition, the Senate bill provides modest investment in numerous early childhood development programs including Head Start ($10.1 billion) and 21^st Century Community Learning Centers ($1.2 billion).

CCAoA will remain engaged with key lawmakers on ensuring child care receives strong support in a final budget deal for FY 2019.