There's only about a month left in the 2020 session and this week is a key committee deadline. And even though there is always a way around deadlines, many bills will be considered dead or at least dormant after Tuesday. Now is a good time to engage on our issues.

House Appropriations Committee Hears Fair Start for Kids Act
Strong support assembled for the House Appropriations Committee's hearing on House Bill 2661. Public testimony was coordinated by the Early Learning Action Alliance and more than 65 people signed in support, including many United Way leaders across the state (thank you!). The bill has been rewritten into a new striker amendment. (link includes a description of key changes since the previous version.) Here is information on this bill's fiscal impacts. Also, here is a graphical description of the bill. 

Contact Budget Decision Makers
Leaders in the House and Senate and members of both fiscal committees need to hear about the urgent need for investments in early learning! Here are some key decision makers in the House and Senate to contact.

Housing and Shelter Continue to be High Priorities
While the Governor has proposed spending over $300 million to increase shelter beds and other immediate housing, the Legislature is considering a wide range of bills on housing affordability. Our tracking list shows updates. We will provide a more thorough review in the coming weeks.

211 Lobby Day February 11 and Handout
211 leaders from across the state will descend on the Legislature today to request support for their $222,000 in the Capital Budget to replace aging computers, servers, and backup systems and to upgrade equipment such as headsets, laptops and mobile hot-spots to provide mobile outreach and navigation services. Here is the handout they will be using.