Budget Watch Continues!

California's state budget process is moving quickly, and EveryChild California wants to make sure you have the information you need to stay ahead of it.

In the coming days, the Legislature is expected to release several budget-related bills. These may include "Budget Bill Jr." measures, which amend the main budget bill, as well as budget trailer bills, which provide the legal changes needed to implement the state budget. One important thing to keep in mind: seeing new budget language does not always mean a final deal is done. A final agreement is usually confirmed when state leaders make a public announcement or when the Governor signs all or part of the budget package.

Trailer bills matter, especially in early care and education, because they often contain operational details that affect how programs run. Some trailer bill language has already surfaced through hearings and prior proposals, but other language can emerge late in the process. That is why we are continuing to monitor closely as new language becomes available.

Monday, June 29 is an important date to watch. It is the deadline for the Governor to sign or veto the Legislature's main budget bill, and both the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees are expected to hold hearings that morning. Even after that date, though, budget-related activity can continue through trailer bills, Budget Bill Jr. measures, and later cleanup legislation.

This is an important time to stay connected. Here is how EveryChild California members can help:

• Watch for EveryChild California updates and action alerts, and share them with staff, families, board members, local partners, and your broader networks.

• Share local examples with us so we can lift real program impacts in Capitol conversations.

• Stay engaged even after June 29, because the details that matter most for ECE programs often move through trailer bills and cleanup legislation that come later.

Your voice matters throughout this process. We will keep tracking developments and share updates as new information becomes available.