April 2021 Monthly Update
MEMBERSHIP
We are pleased to welcome the following organization as a new NCFN member!
Mission Driven Finance
The full list of NCFN Members is available on the NCFN website.
RESEARCH & REPORTS
BPC Shares Data on Tribal Early Care and Education Programs
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a new brief, Tribal Early Care and Education Programs, that summarizes data about American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and families, and federal funding streams that support these communities. Read the brief >
Illinois Commission Details Opportunities to Support Child Care
The Illinois Commission on Equitable Early Childhood Education and Care Funding submitted recommendations to the Governor to provide equitable access to high-quality early childhood education. Read the report >
POLICY UPDATE
President Biden Outlines $2 Trillion Infrastructure Proposal
Last week President Biden outlined the American Jobs Plan, a $2 trillion, eight-year spending plan to improve the nation’s infrastructure. The plan would be paid for through tax increases, including raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent. Notably the proposal includes $25 billion to help upgrade child care facilities and increase supply, as well as additional investments that align with NCFN's Policy Platform:
$25 billion to help upgrade child care facilities and increase the supply of child care in areas that need it most. Funding would be provided through a Child Care Growth and Innovation Fund for states to build a supply of infant and toddler care in high-need areas.
An expanded tax credit to encourage businesses to build child care facilities at places of work. Employers will receive 50 percent of the first $1 million of construction costs per facility so that employees can enjoy the peace of mind and convenience that comes with on-site child care.
$100 billion to help repair crumbling classrooms and build new public school buildings. $50 billion in direct grants for school construction and an additional $50 billion through bonds.
$31 billion in programs that give small businesses access to credit, venture capital, and R&D dollars. The proposal includes funding for community-based small business incubators and innovation hubs to support the growth of entrepreneurship in communities of color and underserved communities.
$213 billion in the construction and preservation of affordable housing to produce, preserve, and retrofit more than 2 million affordable housing units.
NCFN will work with lawmakers in Congress as they seek to turn the American Jobs Plan into legislative text. To join the NCFN Policy Committee, contact Nicole Barcliff, Policy Committee Chair.
Congress Enacts American Rescue Plan Act
Last month Congress enacted the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion investment to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The package included an historic investment to stabilize the child care sector, specifically $15 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), $24 billion for a new child care stabilization fund, and $1 billion for Head Start, as well as other small business and capital investments that could help support the child care sector. NCFN is developing recommendations for states and localities to consider when implementing federal relief funds, with a specific emphasis on improving child care facilities and expanding supply.
Congresswoman Clark Reintroduces the Child Care is Infrastructure Act
Last month Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA) reintroduced the Child Care is Infrastructure Act, a $10 billion investment in our nation’s child care infrastructure. NCFN co-chair Nicole Barcliff joined the Congresswoman and other child care stakeholders at a press event to announce the bill’s reintroduction. For more information about the bill, visit NCFN’s Child Care is Infrastructure Act webpage, which includes NCFN’s endorsement letter and bill summary.
NEWS & RESOURCES
Member News
NCFN Members Enterprise Community Partners and Craft3 share an annual report on the Washington Early Learning Loan (WELL) Fund. Read the report >
Other News
New York Times: Child Care in Crisis: Can Biden's Plan Save It? Read the article >
Vox: One weird trick to fix our broken child care system. Read the article>
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 10 - 16
NAEYC: Week of the Young Child
Learn more >