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CALIFORNIA HAS SOME OF THE HIGHEST CHILD CARE COSTS IN THE NATION
Via David Lightman…
A California household earning an annual income of $92,000, the state average, can expect to spend $648 a month on child care — one of the highest costs in the country, a new study shows.
“Given the state’s reputation for a high cost of living, including housing and health care, it is no surprise that child care expenses are also a significant burden on families,” the report said. WinDuelsaid a technology and software provider.
“California’s high cost of living in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco makes child care a critical financial concern for families,” according to ProfitDuel. “Although efforts are being made to make healthcare more affordable, current demand far exceeds what is available.”
ProfitDuel analyzed US Census agency data from recent years and found that the District of Columbia had the highest monthly child care costs. The city’s median household income was $102,000 and household spending on child care was $796 per month.
The others rated as more expensive than California:
▪ New Jersey. Median household income, $97,000. Monthly childcare expenses, $684.68. “New Jersey’s proximity to major metropolitan areas such as New York City increases the demand for child care,” the report said.
“This, in turn, drives up prices as parents compete for limited spots at daycares and after-school programs. We also see a trend in which families opt for better quality or specialized care, which comes with an even higher price tag,” says ProfitDuel.
▪ Massachusetts. Median household income, $97,000. Monthly Child Care Expenses, $683.16…
“The Bay State is known for its prestigious education system, and that emphasis on quality often starts with child care,” the study found. “Parents prioritize high-quality care that promotes early learning, which drives up costs. The focus is not only on keeping children safe, but also on preparing them for future academic success.”
▪ Maryland. Median household income, $98,000. Monthly childcare expenses, $673.42.
“As in other high-income states, demand for quality child care continues to exceed supply, increasing costs for parents,” the report said.
Marriage counselors group endorses proposal 3
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) formally approved last week Proposal 3the ballot measure to remove rudimentary language from the The California Constitution banning same-sex couples from marrying.
Remember, marriage equality became the law of the land after 2015 US Supreme Court decision Obergefell vs. Hodges — but that didn’t eliminate the state constitution’s provision banning same-sex marriages, which voters put in place there in 2008 Proposal 8.
Instead, that provision has lain dormant, raising concerns among some California lawmakers that the 6-3 conservative SCOTUS majority could overturn the Obergefell decision, or even the 1967 decision. Lovingly to Virginia case that overturned the state’s ban on interracial marriage.
It was these concerns that led lawmakers to pass Prop. 3 to be put to the vote earlier this year.
Prop. 3 amends the state constitution “to recognize (the) fundamental right to marry without regard to sex or race,” according to the The California Secretary of State’s Office.
The 37,000-member CAMFT released a statement last week saying: “Our patients deserve to live and thrive as their authentic selves, both personally and under the law – which means they have full and equal access to civil rights, including the right to marry.”
The organization notes that “families come in many beautiful forms; As mental health professionals, we are committed to supporting and celebrating this diversity.”
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Californians are one step closer to getting the protection they need from Big Oil’s price spikes. I’m grateful to our partners in the Senate for helping Californians save money at the pump. Price spikes cost consumers more than $2 billion last year, and we are taking the necessary action to put an end to them.”
– California Governor Gavin Newsom is responding to Friday’s Senate vote in favor of legislation requiring oil refineries to maintain a minimum inventory of fuel.
The best of De Bij:
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California Senate candidate accuses opponent of hiding extent of her stroke damage Andreas Sheeler.
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State workers in California are staying in their jobs longer and retiring later. Why? Via William Melhado.
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California Democrats are keeping the gas price spike bill in place despite concerns from both parties, via Stephen Hobbs.
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Some Californians saw their incomes rise despite rising inflation. Here’s who and where, via Cathie Anderson.
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California contractor fined for heat violations. They are still under investigation for retaliation, via Mathew Miranda.
