The D.C. Council has approved a 2022 spending plan that includes local funding to increase compensation for thousands of early childhood educators.
A final vote will be held Aug. 10 on the measure, which is particularly critical for those working in historically under-resourced communities and embraces a small tax increase on DC’s wealthiest residents, according to Under 3 DC Coalition.
“All credit for this ‘win’ goes to the early learning professionals, parents, and advocates who have been tireless advocates during this very long and unpredictable budget season,” said Ruqiyyah Anbar-Shaheen, Under 3 DC Coalition director. “All of their phone calls, emails, testimonies, videos, and actions made this possible. There is truly power in united voices.”
The local measure includes roughly $53 million towards increasing wages to educators in fiscal year 2022 and more than $70 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2023.
“This vote marks a significant step toward making the District’s early childhood system more equitable, affordable, and accessible for all District families and educators,” Anbar-Shaheen added.
