The beginning of the 2020 session promised the brightest revenue forecast in decades. Post COVID-19, almost all agency budgets were flat-funded or cut. Alliance allies in Alabama renewed their focus on developing a broader coalition of unified voices to speak on behalf of the child care industry and issues facing young children. Work during this session resulted in a stronger, more sustainable, and more robust child care system. Child-serving agencies including the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and Mental Health received increases in funding.
By July, Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) had enacted in some way all of the allies’ recommendations related to how to spend CARES Act funds. Alliance allies also helped to squeeze out a $6 million increase for First Class Pre-K, which expands the program by 45 classrooms.