Presidents Budget Proposal for FY2012

March 2011
On February 14, 2011 the President released his budget proposal for FY 2012. The proposal includes more than $1 trillion in deficit reduction two-thirds of it from spending cuts and puts the nation on a path towards fiscal sustainability. The budget proposal also includes a five-year non-security discretionary spending freeze. While the Presidents proposed budget cuts funding for some federal programs, funding for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) would be increased by $1.3 billion and funding for Head Start would be increased by $866 million. The proposal also includes $350 million for the Early Learning Challenge Fund showing the Presidents on-going commitment to improving the quality of child care.

Funding for Child Care and Related Programs FY 2010-FY 2010 ($ in Millions)
HR 1, House Passed CR for FY2011** Presidents FY 2012 Proposal

FY2010 FINAL Program Child Care & Development Block Grant Discretionary Mandatory Social Services Block Grant (SSBG/Title XX) Head Start

FY 2011*

$2,127 $2,900 $1,700 $7,234

$2,127 --$1,700 $7,234

$2,088 ----$6,151

$2,927 --$1,700 $8,100

Community Services Block Grant $700 $700 $405 $350 (CSBG) st $1,166 $1,166 $1,066 $1,266 21 Century Learning Centers (ED) $439 $439 $489 $439 IDEA Infants and Families (ED) $374 $374 $374 $374 IDEA Preschool Grants (ED) Child Care Means Parents in School $16 $16 $16 $16 (CCAMPS) $0 $0 $0 --Early Reading First (ED) $0 $0 $0 $350 Early Learning Challenge Fund Notes: *Currently, the federal government is operating on a continuing resolution at FY 2010 levels through March 18, 2011. **On February 19, 2011, the House approved H.R. 1 (a bill to fund federal programs through the remainder of the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, 2011).

As noted, Congress has not completed the appropriations process for the current fiscal year. Congress cannot begin work on the FY 2012 budget or the 12 spending bills until this happens. Regardless, tell your Member of Congress to make child care and early learning programs a funding priority.