Statement Regarding Mayor Bowser’s Proposed Cuts to Early Education

We are delaying the opening of our Early Childhood Education centers  on May 3rd and closing them on May 13th in protest of Mayor Bowser’s budget proposal to make severe cuts to childcare and to support staff in attending the rally and City Council budget hearings to urge them to restore all funding to early childhood education.

Mayor Bowser’s proposed budget includes a nearly $300 million cut to the OSSE Division of Early Learning that would decimate the childcare sector on two levels:

1. The elimination of salary increases promised to early childhood educators by the DC Council in exchange for earning the same credentials and degrees as public school teachers and
2. Massive, multi-year cuts to subsidies for families that, if not restored, will skyrocket the cost of childcare, likely forcing many childcare programs to close.

We know how disruptive this program closure may be for families. However, our strategic delayed opening on Friday, May 3rd, and program closure on May 13th are meant to prevent even greater disruptions to staff, families, and District businesses.

Under 3 DC has organized a rally on May 3 to protest these devastating budget cuts; we welcome all parents and friends of Martha’s Table to attend and voice their concerns. You can RSVP here.

If you cannot make the rally Friday morning, please email the DC Council and demand that they reinstate critical investments in childcare.

We appreciate your understanding and solidarity as we fight together to save childcare in the District–a critical part of our mission to support strong children, strong families, and strong communities.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Williams

President & CEO

Martha’s Table