The deadline is Monday to comment on recommendations from the Governor's Task Force on Child Care.
Sen. Tobin successfully lobbies the National Conference of State Legislatures to support more federal resources for homeless children and youth.
Neighbors, something really good happened earlier this month.
But first, the backstory:
Every year, state-elected policymakers nationwide gather to hear from experts, discuss trending state legislation, and discuss how best to advocate for state needs at the congressional level.
Last year, I participated in a policy fellowship focused on best-practice interventions to address the needs of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. This led to my successful inclusion of a $1 million capital budget request for Covenant House to implement a best practice pilot program at their downtown Anchorage location. I also introduced a Senate and House joint resolution advocating for an extension of federal funding for our public schools serving youth experiencing homelessness. Unfortunately, the resolution got stuck in House Rules and didn’t reach the finish line before the 33rd Legislature adjourned sine die.
So I pivoted, and at this year’s annual convening of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), I worked with national partners to successfully amend a standing education resolution that will be used by NCSL as they advocate in Congress on behalf of all 50 state legislatures. The amendment calls on Congress to extend the timeline to expend American Rescue Plan dollars for homeless youth and to continue pandemic-era flexibility to use McKinney-Vento Act funds for students experiencing homelessness.
Huzzah! 🙌🏾✊🏽👊🏽
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that to help more children and youth experiencing homelessness, states, municipalities, and school districts need additional sustained funding and flexibility in how and when to use federal funding dedicated to children and youth homelessness.” - An amendment sponsored by Sen. Tobin to the NCSL Federal Education Relief Aid resolution
As part of my public service to Alaska, I serve on several national policy committees, including the Education Committee for NCSL. I’ve learned that to serve you and every Alaskan well, I must use my voice, my lived experience, my education (made possible by Alaska’s public schools), and my ability to uplift causes that matter in all the places I am able. It is a privilege to advocate for all our nation’s youth experiencing homelessness and uplift our public schools’ role in serving these vulnerable kiddos.
“Now, Therefore, Be It Further Resolved, the National Conference of State Legislatures believes Congress should extend the spending deadline for ESSER and ARP-HCY to December 31, 2026, in order to smooth the rate of school district spending, which could mitigate the inflationary impact of a rapid draw down of funds and give state legislatures more time to conduct oversight and evaluate whether and how certain expenditures could be sustained; and” - An amendment sponsored by Sen. Tobin to the NCSL Federal Education Relief Aid resolution
We know that youth who experience homelessness are more likely to experience a whole host of negative consequences that affect the trajectory of their life. Our youth need champions who advocate for sound public policy to disrupt the 100% preventable cycles of poverty and homelessness experienced by far too many.
I am very thankful that my amendment to the standing NCSL education resolution was unanimously approved by my fellow NCSL Education Committee members and the full membership the next day during the annual NCSL business meeting. Thank you to every state legislator present who stood up for all our kids.
But the work is not done. In the coming months, NCSL Federal Education Staff will be using the amended resolution to advocate on behalf of states for more flexible federal resources to disrupt and end youth homelessness.
Policymakers often get the public kudos, but let’s be honest - more often than not, we happen to be standing alongside the real champions, advocates, and connectors. Thanks to my legislative team (Mackenzie, Mike, Louie, and Kayla) for all their fantastic work. A huge thanks to NCSL Federal Affairs Advisor Austin Reid. He is a tremendous resource about federal education policy; my office routinely relies on Austin for his expertise and experience. Another big thank you to Barbara Duffield, the Executive Director of Schoolhouse Connections. Back in January, Barbara testified in the Senate Education Committee about the significant increase in youth experiencing homelessness in Alaska and shared some jaw-dropping data about youth homelessness and chronic absenteeism.
I met Barbara through that youth and young adult homelessness fellowship, made possible by the incredible NCSL Children, Families, and Human Services team. A very special thanks to Heather, Heather (yes! There are two Heathers 😊), Wade, Walker, Clare, and Cameron for deepening my understanding and knowledge of the complexity of youth homelessness.
In amending the standing Education Resolution for NCSL, member states have authorized NCSL to lobby on behalf of all states and territories for flexible federal funding to empower states and local communities to best meet the needs of their local youth experiencing homelessness and homelessness.
The Governor’s Task Force on Child Care needs your input.
In April of last year, Governor Dunleavy convened a task force to examine the childcare crisis in Alaska. I am honored to serve on this task force as an ex-officio member representing the Alaska State Senate. Through your testimony and insight, I have learned quite a bit about the challenges families across Alaska face in finding affordable, high-quality childcare.
Right now, the Governor’s Task Force on Child Care is developing a series of recommendations for the Governor to consider.
There are some notable recommendations under consideration by the Task Force on Childcare.
Implement a geographic differential deduction to income eligibility calculation for the Alaska child care subsidy.
Increase income eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program.
Offer incentives to child care providers through the Child Care Grant Program for providers who meet specific criteria, including operating during non-traditional hours and providing care for children experiencing homelessness.
Establish guaranteed eligibility for a childcare subsidy and an increased reimbursement rate for children of parents who work in a licensed or approved childcare setting.
The Task Force is now accepting public comments on the proposed recommendations through Monday, August 26.
You can also email your comments to akchildcare@ddaalaska.com.