Speaker Rivas Commends Assembly for Tackling Child Care Affordability

SACRAMENTO — Today, the Assembly Select Committee on Child Care Costs, co-chaired by Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters) and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen (D-Elk Grove), held its first hearing to address the cost and availability of child care.

Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) created the select committee to look at one of the largest cost-drivers for hardworking Californians. This committee is part of the Assembly’s ongoing work to lower the cost of living in California.

“Affordable child care makes it possible for parents to work, and this has a huge impact on California’s economic strength,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said. “We committed to make transitional kindergarten universal and are delivering on that. Now, it’s time to look at whether more is needed, and this committee’s important work will help us determine how to maximize enrollment in existing programs, the feasibility of universal zero-to-3 child care, and ways to protect our services in the face of threats from Washington. We are taking the next step to bridge an important gap for working families.”

“Child care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Our parents, especially mothers, are forced to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for their kids,” said Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry. “Parents can’t work if they can’t find or afford safe care for their kids. And, our economy can’t succeed if parents are forced out of the workforce.”

“Child care affordability isn’t just about policy—it’s about giving parents the ability to work, provide, and thrive. This committee’s work is about strengthening families and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. We will be looking closely at how to make care more affordable, expand access for those who need it most, and protect critical services for working families across California. I’m honored to help lead this important effort with deep purpose and commitment,” said Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen.

President Trump and Republicans in Washington are targeting California’s economy and driving up the cost of living, especially for families with children. Their tariffs are a hidden tax on everyday necessities like diapers, formula, school supplies and groceries. 

At the same time, Trump’s budget slashes billions of dollars in funding for food assistance, which could leave over 735,000 California families and children without the food they need to live and learn. 

Trump and Republicans’ budget also threatens to kick more than 3 million Californians off Medi-Cal. All of these devastating cuts from Washington undermine families’ ability to afford their daily expenses and child care.   

Despite challenges from the Trump administration, the Legislature has secured key investments this year in California’s state budget, including $70 million in provider rate increases, continued foster child care support and $2.1 billion to launch universal Transitional Kindergarten this fall. 

In recent years, California has expanded access to early learning for children under five by adding Transitional Kindergarten (TK), a free year of public pre-K for 4-year olds, which will be universal this fall

The Select Committee on Child Care Costs underscores California's commitment to lowering costs faced by residents in the state. Today’s hearing brought together parents, educators, providers, and experts to examine and begin to explore solutions for the shortage of child care slots, skyrocketing costs, low educator pay, and the economic toll on families and California’s workforce.

Speaker Rivas will continue to prioritize affordability in the state, advancing policy solutions to ensure a future where all California families can afford to live, work, and raise their children.

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For more information, follow Speaker Robert Rivas at the following social media channels:

Instagram: @caspeakerrivas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CASpeakerRivas/