Dozens of provider leaders from Child Care Providers United of California--a joint SEIU/AFSCME local union--rallied May 4th at the state Capitol in Sacramento and called on lawmakers to support payment reform measures on behalf of providers and working families.

CCPUnited leaders met directly with these legislators to urge them to support AB 304 (Price), which would make direct deposit available for providers statewide who serve working families eligible for subsidized child care, and AB 315 (de Leon), which would standardize payment procedures and notification policies for providers. In addition, they called on legislators to reject measures to reduce reimbursements rates and increase family fees in a hearing on the current budget negotiations.

"We're here from all over the state to make our voices heard for California's working families," said Socorro Avita, a provider and CCPUnited leader from Los Angeles.
Both AB 304 and AB 315 passed their respective committees in early May. Providers testified at legislative hearings in strong support of both bills, while giving examples of how late payments can cause numerous problems for providers who often live paycheck to paycheck.

"Providers know firsthand the struggles of making ends meet," testified Carolyn Thompson, provider and CCPUnited leader from Contra Costa County. "Lawmakers can make a huge difference in so many lives by saying 'yes' to [these bills]."

Janne Day, a CCPUnited member from Sacramento, commented on the flaws of the current system: "Regardless of where the error or delay occurs, it is the provider who doesn't get paid. Our own bills won't wait ... What this bill is asking for should already be in place."

During an earlier committee hearing on the state's budget, Kern County CCPUnited member Maria Munoz was invited to testify against wage reductions and fee increases, as well as to urge elected leaders to use federal stimulus money to take kids off the state's waiting list for subsidized care.

"I know many parents who call their local alternative payment [AP] agency to apply for child care subsidies, and are immediately put on a waiting list and given their numerical place. Every couple of weeks they call the AP to check on their position, and every time the number stays exactly the same. Years can go by before they reach the top of the list." said Munoz.

Although AB 304 and AB 315 were passed during their initial subcommittee votes, there are still several hurdles they need to clear before they can become law. That's why providers are continuing to call and write their legislators about the state budget and are meeting regularly with their elected officials and staff to tell them just how important these bills are for providers and the families they serve.