State Leaders Commit to Action on Early Education and Child Care!

As the new legislative session begins, state leaders are united in their commitment to major action on early education and child care this year! 

In her inaugural speech today, Governor Maura Healey highlighted the impact the high cost of childcare is having on Massachusetts families and called for passage of comprehensive early education and child care legislation, saying "let's pledge to be the first state to solve the child care crisis. Let’s finally pass legislation in line with Common Start to make sure every family pays what they can afford." The Healey-Driscoll administration lists ‘making early education and care more affordable and accessible…such as legislation in line with Common Start” as a top priority.

And in speeches yesterday, legislative leaders listed early education and child care as a top priority for the new legislative session.

"This session, the full attention of the House will be directed at examining how to further support early education and care workforce," said House Speaker Ron Mariano. "This workforce is made largely of women, and women of color. As we work to provide quality child care for Massachusetts families, I was proud of the work last session to increase salaries and other key supports for EEC workers and I'm confident we can do more on this issue."

"I am committed to re-introducing transformational early education and care legislation as part of the Senate's comprehensive Student Opportunity Plan and working with stakeholders at every level, both public and private, as well as our partners here in government, to get this important piece over the finish line," said Senate President Karen Spilka. "Simply put, it is past time to update the way we imagine and support this crucial sector."

The Common Start Coalition looks forward to working with Senate President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Governor Healey, and members of the State Legislature to pass comprehensive early education and child care legislation this year. Now is the moment to solve the child care crisis and deliver truly affordable, high-quality early education and child care for all!