The Early Care and Education Budget in Context: An Analysis of the Governor’s Proposed FY 08 Budget

Over the long term, the state’s total investment in early care has been on the decline. As compared to the investment levels in FY 2002, the Governor’s proposed FY 2008 funding for major early care programs in the State Dept. of Education (up $41.3 million), Dept. of Social Services (down $42.8 million) and Dept. of Public Health (up $0.51 million) represents a net loss in funding. The total funding proposed is still $1 million less than the levels in FY 2002 (adjusted for inflation).