On Wednesday, March 18, the House of Representatives passed their FY26 Fair Share Supplemental Budget.

The $1.8 billion supplemental budget—which includes $885 million in public transportation funds and $417 million in education funds—included significant investments for early education and care, including:

• $150 million to fund Early Education Child Care costs

• $38.7 million for the EEC income eligibility waitlist, includes:
  
  $8 million for child care for providers
  
  $7.5 million for the loan forgiveness program for providers
  
  $10.7 million for new income-eligible contracts

As we wait to see what the Senate includes in their FY26 Supplemental Budget, we can take action.

Currently, the House Committee on Ways and Means is preparing to release their FY27 state budget proposal in April.

So please contact your state representatives and ask them to prioritize investments in young children and families!

Click here to send a message to your state representative.

To see more information and additional details about the budget line items, click here to view our budget letter.

Our budget request takes into account uncertainty at the federal level, and it recognizes the urgent need to invest in a sustainable early education and care system.

When you contact your representative about the budget, you can personalize your message and customize your budget request.

Visit Strategies for Children’s Advocacy HQ to learn more and stay tuned for more opportunities to reach out to the House and Senate and advocate for the budget.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Shaakira Parker at sparker@strategiesforchildren.org.

Be sure to contact your state representative today!