Dear Friends and Partners,

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The 2023 fiscal legislative session is almost done and things are moving rapidly! Here are some highlights:

 

Ready Louisiana Coalition’s annual Early Ed Day at the Capitol was a success as the Rotunda was filled with partners and organizations who are committed to increased investment in early care and education for Louisiana’s children. Our advocates showed up during the House Appropriations Committee meeting to  put in red cards speaking against the decision to release an amendment on HB 1 removing $52 million of new money for early care and education due to federal relief funds expiring. Click here to watch the clip. Also, here are a few pictures and the press conference recording from Early Ed Day at the Capitol.

 

On May 22nd, the Senate Finance Committee received public comment for HB 1 (Representative Zeringue). LPIC and our partners educated lawmakers on the need for a $200 million appropriation for child care assistance to ensure 16,000 seats are preserved. Watch our partners' public comments here. 

 

Right now, HB 1 is still in possession of the Senate Finance Committee, which indicated it would be moving the bill on Friday, June 2nd. Once the full Senate votes on the budget, it will return to the House for concurrence and it is expected the bill will go tothe conference committee to resolve the differences between the chambers. With less than two full weeks left in session, it is crucial to continue educating legislators on the importance of including funding for early care and education this year.

 

Thank you for advocating on behalf of young children and families in Louisiana, because in order for us to geaux far, we must geaux together.