The Assembly Appropriations Committee convened on August 20, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding child care accessibility and funding in California. The meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by families, particularly women of color, in securing affordable child care amidst rising costs and systemic inequities.

The discussion began with a focus on the financial burdens placed on families, especially Latinx single mothers, who spend nearly 71% of their median salary on care for young children. In response to these challenges, significant reforms were made in 2023 to eliminate family fees for state-subsidized child care for families earning below 75% of the state median income, and to cap fees at 1% for those earning between 75% and 85%. However, despite these reforms, the demand for subsidized child care far exceeds the available supply. A 2022 analysis revealed that only 11% of eligible children were enrolled in child care programs, a figure that improved to 14% in 2023, indicating that many families remain on waiting lists.

The committee also addressed the racial disparities in child care access, noting that Latinx, Native, and Black children are disproportionately eligible for state subsidized programs. The underfunding of these programs exacerbates existing structural inequities, leaving many families without necessary support.

Another significant point raised was the low wages of early childhood education (ECE) professionals, who are essential to the child care system. Despite their qualifications, ECE workers earn only 39% of the median wage of K-8 teachers, and their pay has not kept pace with the rising minimum wage. This wage disparity threatens the stability of the workforce, as many skilled providers may leave the profession for better-paying opportunities in other sectors.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for state leaders to prioritize child care funding and to consider raising revenue through tax reforms. Advocates emphasized that investing in child care is not only a matter of equity but also crucial for the state's economy. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to improve access to affordable child care and to ensure fair compensation for providers, particularly those from marginalized communities.