Federal funding for child care and development block grants received a big boost back in March — a $2.4 billion increase to be exact.
Arizona’s share is $56 million, but that money was not included in the state’s new budget.
According to reporting by the Arizona Daily Star, the Arizona Department of Economic Security did not have the funding in its budget, and legislators were not clear on how the money would be spent, so the funding was tabled. Legislators would need to hold a special session or wait until the next session to make it available.
Erin Raden is the executive director of the Arizona Early Childhood Education Association, formerly called the Arizona Child Care Association. She said this funding is crucial for child care in the state.
