Keeping Care4Kids open for families is a top priority.  Thank you to all of you who are helping in this effort by testifying before the Appropriations Committee, signing the petition, calling your elected representatives, sharing information by email and social media.  Your voice is being heard.

Last week, the state legislature’s Appropriations Committee held a hearing that included testimony regarding the budget shortfall in Care4Kids.  The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance and its members provided testimony and made a clear and passionate case for funding the Care4Kids shortfall for children to get childcare, parents to go to work, and early childhood programs to remain open.  The hearing was recorded by CTN and can be seen HERE.

The news media is covering the Care4Kids story.  The Hartford Courant’s front page article on Sunday is HERE.  Other coverage included: CT Mirror, WTNH News 8, and NBC CT.

There are events happening in the next few weeks on Care4Kids that we strongly encourage you to participate in.  The more people showing concern for this issue, the better chance we have of resolving it without major cuts to the program.  Please come to these events and show your support!

• RALLY AT THE CAPITOL – Tuesday, November 29 – CSEA/SEIU, the child care union, is organizing a whole day on the issues facing low-wage workers which will include Care4Kids and Fight for 15.  At 3:30, at the state Capitol, the focus will be Care4Kids.  Parents, providers, early childhood advocates and other supporters will gather for a rally and remarks from low-wage workers who rely on Care4Kids in order to work.  CSEA/SEIU is providing buses from Waterbury, New Haven and Bridgeport to get to the 3:30 rally.  To RSVP or for more information about buses or the rally, please contact Helene Figueroa at 860-951-6614.

• CARE4KIDS FORUM – Wednesday, December 7, 10 a.m., at the Legislative Office Building, Hartford – Parents and providers will tell their stories about the importance of Care4Kids and the impact of recent changes and recent proposals.  If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact Samantha at the CT Early Childhood Alliance at samantha@earlychildhoodalliance.com.   Please RSVP to attend the Care4Kids Forum HERE.

We look forward to seeing you at these events, and we THANK YOU for continuing to speak up about Care4Kids.  We expect there will be updates and additional events, and we will keep you posted by email.