August 1, 2025 | For Immediate Release
August 1, 2025
For Immediate Release
Yesterday, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Act with strong bipartisan support in a 26–3 vote. With committee approval secured, the bill now moves forward for consideration by the full Senate and House.
Since the start of the new Trump administration, children and families have faced repeated attacks through disinvestment and proposed funding cuts to early childhood, education, and healthcare. The Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill serves as a powerful reminder of what bipartisan collaboration can achieve in the face of those threats.
Despite concerns that key programs could be eliminated, the bill includes an $85 million increase for Head Start, an investment that supports early learning, health, and family well-being for nearly 1 million children nationwide. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) also received an $85 million increase, helping low-income families access affordable child care and strengthening California’s child care infrastructure.
Another program targeted for elimination in President Trump’s budget request, the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program, was fortunately preserved, with funding sustained at $75 million. This critical investment helps low-income student parents access child care and other supports while they pursue their education.
While some programs maintained level funding and others saw modest increases, the impact will be meaningful. These investments provide much needed relief to a strained child care system and help ensure families can access the care they need, not only for their well-being, but for the strength and stability of our economy.