As shared by our friends at Groundwork Ohio:

The Ohio Senate recently released its state budget proposal. In their proposal, the Ohio Senate effectively ends Step Up to Quality, Ohio’s 5-star Quality Rating and Improvement System. Additionally, the Senate imposes debilitating restrictions on federal emergency dollars designated to Ohio through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) and the American Rescue Plan, all designed to strengthen the early learning system and the early education workforce.

The Senate’s proposal is a devastating blow to Ohio’s child care system and the classroom teachers who are the unsung heroes of our fragile system.

You can help by contacting your state legislator and urging them to restore language regarding Step Up to Quality, remove restrictions on federal child care spending, and maintain the expansion of child care eligibility.