The proposed 2012-13 California state budget contains deep cuts to programs for California's children and families. If the budget is passed by the Legislature, the state's children would be faced with massive decreases in funding for early childhood programs, education, and health and human services.

The Child Care Law Center, an advocate for quality child care, states the impact of the proposed budget cuts "

would be severe for children, families, and the child care providers that serve them." They note that:

• More than 29,000 children would lose their child care assistance because the income eligibility limit would be lowered and the families would be required to meet more onerous work requirements to qualify for assistance.
• Low-income children would lose access to many quality child care providers because of a substantial reduction in the reimbursement rate ceiling.
• Some low-income infants and toddlers would lose access to child care centers that contract with the Department of Education because the center's reimbursement rate for that care would be lowered by 10%, leaving parents and centers unable to cover the high cost of infant-toddler care.
• CalWORKs would be deeply cut, hurting the poorest families and children throughout the State who receive child care and welfare-to-work services.

Children Now, also an advocate for children's issues, has an equally grim assessment of the current budget proposal.

The legislature has until Friday, June 15, to approve the new fiscal year budget. Now is the time to demand that California's legislative leaders support services for children and families in our community. You can find legislator contact information here. Let them know your opinion! You can also send an e-mail to important legislators.

Have you ever wondered what a day without child care would be like? Families in Humboldt County have thought about it and produced this great video.

This video, from Child Action, Inc. in Sacramento, also highlights the importance of safe, affordable child care for California's families, local communities and our state.

With summertime right on the doorstep, most kids are looking forward to sunshine and outdoor activities. And while many parents are well-versed on the importance of sunscreen and skin protection, another warm weather danger is often overlooked -- heat-related illnesses. Children and the elderly are most susceptible to these illnesses, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 300 people die annually from excessive heat exposure in the United States.

• The 3 P's - Plan, Purchase, and Prepare Food on a Budget
• These reminders help you stay within your food budget.
• Smart Shopping for Veggies and Fruits
• Get the fruits and vegetables you need without breaking the bank!
• Eating Better on a Budget
• These 10 tips will help you stretch your food dollars.
• Sample 7-Day Menu
• This sample weekly menu meets all nutritional needs at a cost below current average food costs

Follow this link for more information on how to Spend Smart and Eat Smart.