Legislative Update – Legislature Wrapping Up Special Session

By the end of this week, the Legislature’s special session is likely to conclude. Among other things, legislators are writing and approving the Fiscal Year 21 State Budget and making adjustments to the Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) grants approved in June.

The FY21 budget writing process was very compressed – the process took just five weeks instead of the usual four months. A number of programs will get modest new investments. The budget includes a small increase in funding for CCFAP, and limited funding for Special Accommodation Grants and early childhood education workforce scholarships. Many other key programs have been level funded.

The Legislature rejected the Governor’s proposal to move the CCFAP Eligibility Determination process away from community agencies and into state regional offices. This move would have caused enormous service disruptions and destabilized funding. We are grateful to legislators for not including the proposal in their budget.

The Legislature held hearings which led to important changes to the CRF grants, changes that will make more money accessible to Parent Child Centers in particular. More changes are possible in the future. Special thanks to the many legislators that spoke out in favor of the changes. The budget also includes language to allow retention payments to child care providers, if CRF funding becomes available.

Many of you participated in these discussions, from giving testimony in public hearings to emailing and texting individual legislators. We thank you for your advocacy!

Look for a more complete, detailed report from the Alliance on the special session and the status of issues in our 2020 Legislative Agenda in the next week or two.

For more information and details about the FY21 budget, contact Matt Levin, Alliance Executive Director, at matt@vecaa.org

 

Public Comments on CIS Payment Model

In an update on September 15, the Child Development Division announced that the Global Commitment Register (GCR) proposed policy 20-011: Children’s Integrated Services Payment Model is open for public comment through September 30, 2020. This addresses the proposed rate change for the CIS Bundled Contract monthly case rate resulting from the Payment Reform process.

Public comments may be sent via email to AHS.MedicaidPolicy@vermont.gov or mailed to: Medicaid Policy Unit, 280 State Drive, Center Building, Waterbury, VT 05671-1000.

For more information, see the proposed changes document.

 

Workshop – How to Talk with Young Children about Race, Racism, and Anti-Racism

Emma Redden and Grace Aldrich from The Full Story School will present a workshop on how to talk with young children about race, racism, and anti-racism. The workshop, hosted by The Children's Room and Waterbury Area Antiracism Coalition, will be held in-person (outdoors and socially distanced) on Sunday, September 27, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Camp Meade in Middlesex. Professional development credits are available (with fee).

Contact Naomi at 241-1374 or email childrensroom@huusd.org for more information and to register.

 

3SquaresVT Outreach and Policy Conference

On October 6 and 7, Hunger Free Vermont is hosting a virtual conference for those looking to gain a deeper knowledge of 3SquaresVT and learn how new and seasoned advocates alike are working toward a hunger free Vermont. 

For more information and to register, visit the Hunger Free Vermont website. For questions regarding registration or conference details contact Kayla at karena-giron@hungerfreevt.org

 

The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition formed in 2000 of early childhood professionals, parents, organizations, businesses, and strategic partners committed to improving public policies that impact young children between birth and age eight in the areas of health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education.

The Alliance crafts an annual Legislative Agenda in partnership with early childhood organizations, provides year-round advocacy support, and facilitates meaningful interactions with policymakers at key times during the decision making process.

RECENT NEWSLETTERS

Alliance Annual Membership Meeting Recap

9/16 Alliance Annual Meeting, Governor and Lt. Governor Candidate Forums, Staff Recruitment for Child Care Hubs, Alliance Equity Group

 

15 State Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602

vecaa.org

The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund.

Follow Us

Unsubscribe