Governors across the country signal support for afterschool in state budget requests

With a new year comes new support for afterschool programs. After an infusion of federal relief funds over the last two year to support education, including afterschool in summer programs, governors in a number of states are taking the next step to dedicate state funds towards afterschool programming. Numerous governors have mentioned support for afterschool programming in their State of the State addresses, while others have included specific proposals in their budget requests. We’ve pulled together details on a number of these requests and will be providing updates through the spring as state budgets are finalized.

Alabama
During Governor Kay Ivey’s (R) State of the State Address on January 10, she called for investment in afterschool programs at the state level.

“Despite the fact Alabama led others states in getting kids back in the classroom, last year during this occasion, I called on our local school districts to work with community partners to close the learning gap. That is why tonight, I am proud to propose funding for afterschool programs I know will go a long way in getting our students on track for success.”

The budget request includes an ask of $1.5 million for a new pilot program to fund partnerships between local school districts and community-based organizations to expand access to high-quality summer and afterschool programs.

California
Governor Gavin Newsom (D) proposed an additional ongoing $3.4 billion for the Expanded Learning Opportunities program (ELO-P) his budget request in early January. This funding would add to the existing  $1 billion that was invested in ELO-P in the 2021-22 budget for a total of $4.4 billion ongoing, if enacted. During Governor Newsom’s briefing he mentioned the role afterschool and summer programs play in providing the social and emotional support students need, especially as we emerge from the pandemic. He also reinforced the importance of ensuring low- and middle-income families have the same access to the types of programs that typically only higher income families have been able to afford.

New York
Governor Kathy Hochul (D) released her budget request in mid-January, including a proposal for a new program to support students’ academic and mental health recovery from the pandemic. The Recover from COVID School Program (RECOVS), would provide $100 million over two years for a fund to support school districts with the highest need to create or expand their summer learning, afterschool, or extended school day or year programming. This funding would also support the “hiring of mental health professionals, the expansion of school-based mental health services, and other evidence-based mental health supports to help students and school staff recover [both socially and emotionally]. School districts will be required to match this state grant funding with their federal pandemic relief funds.” School districts would be required to match the state grant with federal pandemic relief funds they have already received. 

Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz (D) of Minnesota unveiled his budget recommendations in late January. In his request, the governor recommended funding to reestablish the After School Community Learning grant program that expired in FY 2009. The proposal includes $47.3 million to be provided over three years for afterschool and youth employment programs, providing grants that help connect schools and communities to offer afterschool programs that meet the need of students and their families.

Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) budget request, released in early February, included a significant proposal to increase education funding in Michigan. Included in the proposal is a request for $50 million for before- and afterschool programs to help students with learning needs from the pandemic, provide a safe place outside of school hours, and provide the extracurricular activities that foster academic success. 

Vermont
Two years ago, Governor Phil Scott (R) announced an effort to make universal afterschool a reality for families in the Vermont. Two years later and through investments from the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan, Vermont is making progress towards universal afterschool in the state. During Governor Scott’s State of the State address in early January, he reinforced that commitment.

“As I have said many times, if we build the strongest Cradle to Career education system in the country, it will be one of the best economic development tools we could ask for.

“And this means looking beyond a preK-12 system.

"We have worked together to increase the state’s investment in childcare by more than 30 percent since I took office. To build on that, I will propose changes to our Childcare Financial Assistance program to increase access to quality care and learning.

“And alongside this focus, two years ago at my request, we started down a path toward universal afterschool and summer programs. Last year we joined Senator Sanders, schools, and private partners to take some big leaps forward. Through our Summer Matters initiative, we added 30,000 more summer camp slots and about 240 more weeks of programming. And we will do it again because we should be offering these opportunities to young Vermonters year-round.”

Stay tuned to the Afterschool Snack as state legislatures finalize their budgets over the coming months. We’ll provide updates on the efforts in the six states above and more who are looking to establish new or expand state funding streams for afterschool.