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State commission warns Early Childhood Education Fund may fall short of match as local demand outpaces revenue
Summary
At a commission meeting, Department of Education officials and local network leaders warned the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Fund could lack the state match commissioners had anticipated, putting seats for young children at risk if the Legislature does not act. Panelists described local fundraising successes and urged advocacy to secure state support.
Karen Powell, deputy assistant superintendent for the Office of Early Childhood Care and Education, told the Early Childhood Care and Education Commission that as of October 2024 the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) voucher program served 16,920 children statewide, including 11,598 children from birth to age 4 and 3,823 in contracted B‑3 seats. Powell said more than 7,000 children and about 3,700 families remained on CCAP waitlists across parishes.
Powell summarized the commission's short‑term recommendations from the September 2024 "Louisiana Strong" report and reviewed the Early Childhood Education Fund's revenue streams: a portion of casino tax triggers tied to Harris Casino, hemp‑derived CBD taxation, fantasy‑sports levies, specialty license plate sales and sports wagering. She said sports wagering has produced the…
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