Early Learning Advocacy Day a Great Success!
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| Joyce Stone |
CAEYC led the charge in gathering many of our sister organizations in hosting “Seize the Moment: the Early Learning Advocacy Day” (ELAD) held in Sacramento on February 3, 2016! More than 115 advocates gathered to hear inspiring speeches and panelists, and then took our united message to the Capitol for afternoon visits to our participants’ local representatives. The motivating morning keynote address was given by Ted Lempert, former member of the California State Assembly and current President of Children Now. Attendees were then informed by a panel of Legislative Budget staff – Christian Griffith of the Assembly Budget Committee and Samantha Lui of the Senate Budget Committee – who were joined by Virginia Early of the Legislative Analyst’s Office, all of whom provided an insider’s look at the current budget proposal by the Governor, and the possible responses from the Legislature. Before heading to the Capitol for Legislative Visits – and armed with an Issues Brief that was a collaborative effort of the partner organizations – we were honored to hear remarks from Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Speaker-elect of the Assembly, Anthony Rendon. Both of these legislators are committed and effective advocates for early childhood education, and we need to thank them not only for their efforts in helping to provide services for children and families, but also for helping to advance support for our field and all who work within it.
CAEYC would also like to thank all of our partner organizations, and their representatives who worked on the planning team to make this event such a great success: CAPPA, CCCCA CCDAA, CCRRN, CHSA, PACE, Children Now, Early Edge and the First 5 Association of California. We need to maintain a united voice on behalf of the children and families that we serve, so please watch for more opportunities to make our voices heard.
Joyce Stone
CAEYC Public Policy Vice-chair and ELAD Chair
