Label
Councilwoman Whitman
Title
Expressing strong opposition to HB 110, regarding the substantial loss to childcare programming and the Step Up to Quality Program; and declaring an emergency.
Summary
WHEREAS, the Senate version of the operating budget contains a reduction of the Step Up to Quality Program and a proposed block of federal money such as the America Rescue Plan to strengthen the early learning system; and
WHEREAS, all eligible child care providers served by the YWCA of Northwest Ohio are Step Up to Quality rated and almost 60% are highly rated; and
WHEREAS, Step Up to Quality is working in Ohio, with all centers having reached one-star last year with the goal to reach 5 stars by 2025. Step up to Quality assures the underserved in our community are receiving quality education; and
WHEREAS, if this bill were to pass it could eliminate the Step Up to Quality Program and federal emergency dollars designated to Ohio to strengthen the early learning system will be blocked and unusable for this child care system. While childcare is struggling to overcome the impacts of the Pandemic, now more than ever the need is there for parents to return to and maintain their jobs knowing their child is safe; NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That Toledo City Council strongly opposes HB 110 and reinstates the dollars and support to the Step Up to Quality program which serves our most vulnerable population. Low income and minority children deserve quality childcare.
SECTION 2. That the Clerk of Council is hereby authorized and directed to forward a certified copy of this resolution to Governor Mike DeWine of the State of Ohio, forward a certified copy to the Clerk of the Ohio House of Representatives and request that he forward a copy to each of the duly elected State Representatives and also forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Clerk of the Ohio Sena...
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