Joint Legislative Early Childhood Caucus Shares Legislative Priorities
North Carolina Senators Jim Burgin and Jay Chaudhuri and Representatives Ashton Clemmons and David Willis hosted a breakfast meeting and press conference today announcing the legislative priorities of the Joint Legislative Early Childhood Caucus. The morning meeting included a keynote address from Regional President at PNC Bank, Jim Hansen, and an announcement of upcoming legislation from the Early Childhood Caucus.
“The legislative agenda our caucus has laid out today will not only provide better care for our children but build on the amazing workforce we continue to grow in North Carolina.” said Representative Ashton Clemmons, caucus co-chair. “Strengthening Early Childcare strengthens our state today - and for all of our tomorrows.”
The morning began with a keynote address from Regional President at PNC Bank Jim Hansen who will highlight the importance of investing in early childhood education and how legislators can focus on the ways that early care and education and workforce development interact.
“Today brings us one step closer to bringing North Carolina’s families the supports they need to raise happy and healthy children,” said co-chair Senator Jim Burgin. “I’m excited to see my colleagues from both sides of the aisle dedicated to early care and learning.
Co-Chair Rep. David Willis shared that the caucus plans to file major pieces of legislation during the long session. “This session could be very positive for not just families but for communities and employers,” said Willis. “We know that in order for parents to be able to go out and contribute to their communities they’ve got to have accessible child care, and that’s what our priorities aim to do.”
In addition to the co-chairs and many advocates from across the state, participants at the press conference were:
Debra Derr, NC Chamber
Daphne Alsiyao and her daughter Ella Rose
Michelle Miller-Cox, Executive Director of First Presbyterian Church Day School
The five bills will be filed in both chambers with bipartisan support on each bill. The House versions are:
“It’s so inspiring to see this caucus work together, in a truly bipartisan way, to tackle issues that touch every North Carolinian,” said co-chair Senator Jay Chaudhuri.
“When it comes to early learning and child care it’s so necessary that we work quickly to create viable solutions so that children have access to high quality early childhood education.”