NAEYC Children’s Champions Update

May 12, 2006

• House Fails to Bring Up Harmful Budget Resolution
• Tax Bill Goes to the President
• New Reports

May 12th, 2006 is National Provider Appreciation Day! NAEYC honors the dedication and work of providers who care for, nurture, and educate our nation’s children.

House Budget Resolution Stalled
Thank you for all your calls to urge your Representatives to oppose a budget resolution that would move us backwards on our commitment to and investment in programs that support children. Although they had set aside time for a vote for yesterday, the House Republican leaders decided to stall the vote while they negotiate with fiscal moderate Republicans who want a higher funding level for the programs in the Labor/Health and Human Services/Education appropriations. Led by Rep. Castle of Delaware, they are seeking $7.2 billion more than the amount requested by the Administration, and $3.1 million more than the House Budget Committee’s proposal. They will continue to negotiate, and the budget resolution may come to the floor next week.

Tax bill sent to the President for signing
The House and Senate approved another $70 billion in tax cut spending this week that extends the tax reduction for capital gains and dividends and makes changes to the alternative minimum tax. Another tax bill is in the works and could come up in the House and Senate next month.

Public’s, Parents’ and Students’ Expressions Toward No Child Left Behind
While the public supports the goals of NCLB, public concern over implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is rising, according to a new report issued today by Public Education Network. Open to the Public: The Public Speaks out on No Child Left Behind, identifies specific concerns voiced by more than 1500 parents, students, taxpayers, and community leaders at open public hearings from September 2005 to January 2006. You can download the report at http://www.publiceducation.org/2006_NCLB/main/index.asp

NACCRRA Poll on Parents’ Expectations and Perceptions of Child Care 
In February, NACCRRA conducted a nationwide poll of nearly 600 parents to better understand what they consider when they are looking for child care, what they expect and want from child care, and what barriers they face in obtaining high-quality child care. More than half of the parents surveyed ranked quality as their greatest concern.  You can download the report at http://www.naccrra.org/policy/