For many years, Expanded Learning advocates have been working to inform the state legislature of the funding crisis in our field. Since 2007, California’s Expanded Learning infrastructure has only seen a 9% increase in funding in the face of 30% growth in the Consumer Price Index and 50% growth in minimum wage. This funding crisis is constricting programs abilities to provide a high-quality learning and enrichment experience. Insufficient funding puts children at risk of losing their after school programs.

Kevin McCarty has been a vocal advocate for Expanded Learning in his role as the State Assembly Member Chair of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, which oversees the largest component of California’s multi-billion dollar budget. In his role, Assemblymember McCarty has advocated for increased funding for the After School Education and Safety Program in the state budget, he has been a vocal supporter of Expanded Learning programs benefitting from new revenues resulting from the passage of Proposition 64 (legalizing the adult use of recreational marijuana), and has secured additional funding to support computer coding programs in California’s Expanded Learning programs.

We look forward to working with Assemblymember McCarty and other allies in the legislature to ensure adequate funding to ensure Expanded Learning programs provide the highest quality experience for California’s children and youth. 

Like, follow and connect with Assemblymember McCarty on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @AsmKevinMcCarty.