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Expiring CA fire aid ‘worsening state's already dire childcare crisis’

Felisa Wright, childcare providers in Altadena outside her home/business
Felisa Wright, childcare providers in Altadena outside her once home/business
KNX News/Karen Adams

At least 24 childcare providers lost their homes and businesses in the Eaton and Palisades Fires. A group of advocates is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to extend a vital state aid deadline or to avoid major permanent shutdowns across the industry.

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Childcare providers requested the governor take action in front of Felisa Wright's burned-down home, where she took care of the children of working parents for the last 9 years.


"Our recovery efforts must prioritize assisting childcare providers and regaining stability, such as securing affordable housing to reopen our daycares," said Wright.

fire damageKNX News/Karen Adams

She said without housing, they cannot operate.

State senator Sasha Renée Pérez was there to lend support. "When the state agreed to extend pay for 30 days, it provided a vital lifeline to providers like Felisa,” Pérez said.“30 days simply isn't enough time for anyone to fully recover."

Without additional state support, Pérez said, childcare businesses will shut down, likely for good, "leaving working parents unable to return to their jobs and worsening the state's already dire childcare crisis."

The fire relief payments ended Thursday, February 6th.

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