Legislation supported by VACo that aims to create a Commission on Early Childcare and Education is moving through the General Assembly without opposition. HB 1423 (Coyner) / SB 1404 (Barker) renames the School Readiness Committee as the Commission on Early Childhood Care and Education and makes several changes to the Commission, including adjusting its purpose, increasing and adjusting its membership, and establishing eight enumerated powers and duties for the Commission. VACo advocated prior to the session to have a seat on the Commission should it be enacted. HB 1423 passed the House unanimously, 98-0, and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee. SB 1404 passed the Senate unanimously and was reported unanimously from the House Education Committee on a vote of 22-0.
Access to high-quality and affordable childcare is essential to ensuring strong building blocks for the long-term success of children. Childcare is often also important factor in attracting and retaining economic development opportunities. For these reasons, VACo has adopted a position supporting efforts to increase access to high-quality enriching environments and providing localities with additional resources and flexibility. These bills are important steps in achieving these goals, and VACo has testified in support of the legislation.
VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett