Sacramento, CA — United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME 3930), a union of in-home caregivers and family child care providers in California, released the following statement from Johanna Hester, assistant executive director of UDW, concerning Governor Newsom’s “May Revise” budget:

“We are grateful for Governor Newsom’s continued commitment to family child care providers and the millions of California families that rely on their care. Child care providers are the backbone of California’s economy, and are pivotal to our economic recovery. Not only is Governor Newsom staying the course with these essential frontline workers, he is increasing access to child care while adding stipend support for providers. With Newsom’s partnership, we are hopeful to achieve our mutual goal of quality, affordable child care for all.

As schools and child care centers remain closed, we are relying on family child care providers more than ever before to support our frontline workers. However, many family child care providers are facing significant financial hurdles during this pandemic. We must do more to encourage them to keep their doors open. Our union looks forward to working with the state and federal government to find alternative solutions that will stabilize rates for this vital workforce.”