A finales de abril nos reunimos en el Salem Convention Center para la cumbre del cuidado 2026, y la energía fue innegable. Durante tres días, más de 65 madres, padres, proveedoras, cuidadoras y defensoras se reunieron para conectar, aprender y liderar. En comunidad, seguimos construyendo nuestro movimiento compartido y fortaleciendo nuestro poder colectivo.

El tema de este año fue “Arraigadas en el cuidado”, y esa base estuvo presente en cada conversación, taller y comida compartida. Las y los participantes profundizaron en temas clave que afectan a las familias de Oregon, desarrollaron habilidades esenciales de incidencia política y se fueron inspiradas en convertirse en lideresas y líderes dentro de nuestro movimiento colectivo por la justicia del cuidado.

Invitadas especiales y visión compartida

Tuvimos el honor de recibir a Libra Ford, de Women’s Foundation of Oregon, cuyas reflexiones sobre el cuidado y la organización comunitaria resonaron profundamente entre las personas presentes. Libra destacó una parte fundamental de nuestro trabajo que con frecuencia se pasa por alto: el autocuidado. El dicho, “No puedes servir desde una taza vacía”, tiene mucha verdad.

También contamos con la presencia de Tina Kotek, gobernadora de Oregon, quien compartió unas palabras y destacó la importancia de invertir en las personas cuidadoras y en la infraestructura del cuidado que sostiene a nuestras comunidades — algo con lo que coincidimos plenamente. (Mira aquí el mensaje de la gobernadora).

Ver a lideresas electas presentes y escuchando las experiencias vividas de las cuidadoras, envió un mensaje poderoso: el trabajo de cuidado es trabajo esencial, y las cuidadoras merecen apoyo, respeto y recursos.

Lo que hizo especial a esta cumbre

Accesibilidad primero:
La cumbre fue completamente gratuita. Se ofrecieron comidas, bonos de viaje y apoyo para cuidado infantil para asegurar que todas y todos pudieran participar.

Programación bilingüe:
Todo el contenido estuvo disponible en inglés y español, reflejando nuestro compromiso de servir a la diversa comunidad de cuidadoras de Oregon.

Liderada por la comunidad:
Esta no fue una conferencia de arriba hacia abajo. Cada sesión fue diseñada por y para cuidadoras.

Orientada a la acción:
Las participantes no solo aprendieron: construyeron redes, desarrollaron planes de incidencia y se comprometieron con acciones colectivas continuas.

Gracias a todas las personas que hicieron esto posible

A cada persona que asistió: gracias. Estuvieron aquí porque creen que el cuidado importa. Compartieron sus historias, sus desafíos y sus visiones de un futuro donde ninguna cuidadora se quede atrás.

A nuestro equipo y junta directiva, quienes organizaron, facilitaron y sostuvieron este espacio: gracias. Su dedicación hizo posible este encuentro.

A nuestras aliadas, ponentes y patrocinadoras: gracias. Amplificaron las voces de las cuidadoras y nos ayudaron a construir algo más grande de lo que cualquiera de nosotras podría lograr sola.

¿Qué sigue?

La cumbre del cuidado terminó el domingo, pero nuestro trabajo continúa. Aquí te contamos cómo seguir involucrada/o:

• Suscríbete a nuestra lista de correos para recibir actualizaciones sobre oportunidades de incidencia, capacitaciones y próximos eventos.
• Contribuye al desarrollo de futuras políticas públicas: hemos lanzado una nueva encuesta para recopilar retroalimentación directa de familias en Oregon. Participa hoy.
• Comparte tu historia con nosotras: tu experiencia como cuidadora es una fuerza poderosa para el cambio.
• Síguenos en redes sociales para recibir actualizaciones en tiempo real y formas de involucrarte.

Juntas nos elevamos

Mientras avanzamos después de la cumbre del cuidado 2026, nos llevamos las conexiones creadas, las habilidades aprendidas y el compromiso compartido con un futuro más brillante para todas las cuidadoras y las personas a quienes apoyan.

Esto es solo el comienzo.

Photographer: FLI Media

The post Cumbre del cuidado 2026: construyendo juntas una comunidad de cuidado más fuerte appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

This year’s theme for Care Summit was“Rooted in Care,” and that foundation was visible in every conversation, workshop, and shared meal. Participants dove into critical care issues affecting Oregon families, developed essential advocacy skills, and left inspired to become leaders in our collective movement for caregiving justice.

Special Guests & Shared Vision

We were honored to welcome Libra Ford of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon whose insights on caregiving and community organizing resonated deeply with attendees. She focused on an integral part of our work that is often overlooked, and that is caring for ourselves. The saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” holds a lot of truth. 

We were also joined by Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor. She gave a few words and highlighted the importance of investing in caregivers and the care infrastructure that holds our communities together — and we couldn’t agree more. (Watch the Governor’s message here.)

Having elected leadership show up and listen to caregivers’ lived experiences sent a powerful message: care work is essential work, and caregivers deserve support, respect, and resources.

What Made This Summit Special

• Accessibility First: The summit was completely free of charge. Meals, travel stipends, and childcare assistance were offered to ensure everyone could participate.
• Bilingual Programming: All content was offered in English and Spanish (¡Únete a la cumbre del cuidado!), reflecting our commitment to serving Oregon’s diverse caregiving community.
• Community Led: This wasn’t a top-down conference. Every session was shaped by caregivers, for caregivers.
• Action-Oriented: Participants didn’t just learn—they built networks, drafted advocacy plans, and committed to ongoing collective action.

Thank You to Everyone Who Made This Possible

To every single person who attended: thank you. You showed up because you believe care matters. You shared your stories, your challenges, and your visions for a future where no caregiver is left behind.

To our staff and board members who organized, facilitated, and held space: thank you. Your dedication made this gathering possible.

To our partners, speakers, and supporters: thank you. You amplified the voices of caregivers and helped us build something bigger than any one of us could alone.

What’s Next?

The Care Summit may have ended on Sunday, but our work continues. Here’s how to stay involved:

• Sign up for our email list to receive updates on advocacy opportunities, training sessions, and future events.
• Contribute to future policy—we’ve launched an important new survey to gather direct feedback from Oregon families. Take the survey today.
• Share your story with us—your experience as a caregiver is powerful fuel for change.
• Follow us on social media for real-time updates and ways to take action. Find us on Instagram here.

Together, We Rise

As we move forward from Care Summit 2026, we carry with us the connections made, the skills learned, and the shared commitment to a brighter future for all caregivers and the people they support.

This is just the beginning.

The post Care Summit 2026: Building a Stronger Caregiving Community Together appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

Here’s what happened when we showed up.

The Wins We Fought For Together

$67 Million Funded for Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)

This funding ensures thousands of children, families, and providers currently being served can count on this critical program. When DELC projected they would run out of funds entirely by next year, you made your voices heard—and legislators listened.

Senate Bill 1507 (Federal Tax Disconnect) Passed

We recovered more than $300 million in state revenue that would otherwise have been lost to federal tax cuts that benefit the largest corporations and ultra wealthy. This was about refusing to let Oregon families pay the price for tax giveaways to the wealthy.

House Bill 4088 (Strengthening Patient and Provider Privacy Act) Passed

Oregon took an important step to safeguard access to essential healthcare, especially reproductive and gender-affirming services. This legislation strengthens our protections for patients and providers seeking care without fear of government interference.

Minimized Further Cuts to DELC

With the passage of the federal tax disconnect, we were able to minimize further cuts to DELC and avoid additional reductions to programs that directly serve our youngest children and working families.

When We Gathered, We Made History

On Thursday, February 5th, several hundred gathered in Salem to peacefully rally and march, urging lawmakers to prevent massive cuts to childcare and healthcare, food assistance, public safety, schools, and other critical programs.

Union members, caregivers, and advocates for issues like childcare and anti-hunger programs gathered to send a clear message to the legislature: don’t balance the state budget on the backs of working families.

The rally featured powerful voices from across our movement and the message was clear: Most other states are either disconnected or moved to disconnect from H.R. 1. Oregon, facing a roughly $90 million hole in the budget from H.R. 1, had to follow the lead of other states and protect funding for critical services. And we did.

Later in the month on February 16, the Child Care for Oregon (CCFO) coalition held a training and lobby day at the Capitol. 35 community members visited 20 legislative offices, ensuring the priorities of parents and caregivers were heard loud and clear.

The Unfinished Business We Take Into 2027

Here’s what we need to be honest about: The Legislature did not include funding to restore the $45 million in cuts made to DELC’s budget in 2025. This means fewer kids will have access to child care while providers continue to absorb rising costs and inflation with no additional support.

We were successful in many ways. The fight for fully funded, accessible child care continues on, however.

Our Top Priorities for the 2027 Legislative Session

• Full restoration of DELC funding to ensure every family who needs child care can access it
• Expanded funding for child care providers to address rising costs and inflation
• Continued protection of reproductive and gender-affirming care as federal attacks intensify

Celebrating Our Collective Work

In community, we’ve been on the frontlines of this fight. From supporting the rally at the Capitol to coordinating testimony from parents and providers, to keeping thousands of you informed and activated. None of these wins would have been possible without our collective strategic advocacy and the grassroots power you brought to every hearing, every call, and every action. This is what collective power looks like.

Stay Engaged: The Fight Continues

We don’t have any plans of stopping now! 

Our sibling organization, For All Families Oregon (FAFO), is planning additional days of action and community building, like the upcoming annual child care provider strike, Day Without Child Care, on May 11, 2026. In partnership with fellow care advocates in Oregon, they’re also participating in Governor Kotek’s Early Childhood Care & Learning System Roundtable. They’re also working to support partners across the state by shining a light on the issues that impact all of us, like Day Without An Immigrant. 

Here’s how you can stay up-to-date and involved:

Sign Up for Our Action Alerts

We send out monthly emails with calls to action! Sign up for our emails to receive updates and opportunities to take action over the summer months leading up to the primary and general elections. Sign up here!

Join Us for 2026 Care Summit

We’re building power across movements. Join For All Families Oregon (FAFO) for a two-day event at the Salem Convention Center, April 24 through 26, 2026. Learn more and register here. Space is limited!

– – – 

The Bottom Line

Over just 33 days, we proved that when families, providers, and advocates show up together, we can move mountains. We protected essential services. We recovered hundreds of millions in revenue from corporate tax loopholes. We strengthened healthcare protections for Oregonians.

But we also learned that our power is needed every single day, not just when the Legislature is in session. The 2027 session will bring new challenges and new opportunities. The work we do between now and then — building relationships, organizing our communities, and holding elected officials accountable — will determine what’s possible when those gavels bang again.

Thank you for showing up. Thank you for speaking out. And thank you for refusing to let care and our children be an afterthought.

Media Coverage

• KOIN 6 | Rally at Oregon’s Capitol advocates to ‘disconnect from the federal tax code’
• KDRV 12 | Salem protest urges lawmakers to fix corporate tax breaks

El viernes 6 de marzo, la sesión legislativa 2026 de Oregon terminó después de 33 días. Las legisladoras y legisladores entraron a esta sesión enfrentando un déficit presupuestario de casi $890 millones, resultado de los nuevos vacíos fiscales federales de H.R. 1 que trasladaron el costo a los estados. Los programas estatales de los que dependen las familias de Oregon estaban en la mira, y la financiación para el Cuidado Diario Relacionado con el Empleo (ERDC) estaba en riesgo serio de agotarse por completo. Pero no nos quedamos sentadas, hicimos oír nuestras voces. Madres, padres, proveedoras de cuidado infantil, miembros sindicales y defensoras comunitarias llamaron a las legisladoras y legisladores, se presentaron a las audiencias y marcharon en Salem para dejar claro: los recortes a los programas que sirven a nuestras niñas, niños y familias trabajadoras no eran aceptables.

Esto es lo que pasó cuando nos presentamos.

Las victorias que logramos juntas

$67 millones financiados para el Cuidado Diario Relacionado con el Empleo (ERDC)
Esta financiación asegura que miles de niñas, niños, familias y proveedoras que actualmente son atendidas puedan contar con este programa crítico. Cuando DELC proyectó que se quedarían sin fondos por completo para el próximo año, ustedes hicieron oír sus voces y las legisladoras y legisladores escucharon.

Ley del Senado 1507 (Desconexión del impuesto federal) aprobada
Recuperamos más de $300 millones en ingresos estatales que de otro modo se habrían perdido por recortes fiscales federales que benefician a las corporaciones más grandes y a las personas ultra ricas. Esto se trataba de negarnos a dejar que las familias de Oregon pagaran el precio por los regalos fiscales a las personas ricas.

Ley de la Cámara 4088 (Ley para fortalecer la privacidad de pacientes y proveedoras) aprobada
Oregon dio un paso importante para salvaguardar el acceso a la atención médica esencial, especialmente los servicios reproductivos y de afirmación de género. Esta legislación fortalece nuestras protecciones para las pacientes y proveedoras que buscan atención sin miedo a la interferencia gubernamental.

Se minimizaron más recortes a DELC
Con la aprobación de la desconexión del impuesto federal, pudimos minimizar más recortes a DELC y evitar reducciones adicionales a los programas que sirven directamente a nuestras niñas y niños más pequeños y a las familias trabajadoras.
Cuando nos reunimos, hicimos historia

El jueves 5 de febrero, varios cientos de personas se reunieron en Salem para manifestarse y marchar pacíficamente, instando a las legisladoras y legisladores a prevenir recortes masivos al cuidado infantil y la atención médica, la asistencia alimentaria, la seguridad pública, las escuelas y otros programas críticos.

Miembros sindicales, cuidadoras y defensoras de temas como el cuidado infantil y los programas contra el hambre se reunieron para enviar un mensaje claro a la legislatura: no equilibren el presupuesto estatal sobre las espaldas de las familias trabajadoras.

La manifestación contó con voces poderosas de todo nuestro movimiento y el mensaje fue claro: La mayoría de los otros estados están desconectados o se han movido a desconectarse de H.R. 1. Oregon, enfrentando un agujero de aproximadamente $90 millones de dólares en el presupuesto por H.R. 1, tuvo que seguir el liderazgo de otros estados y proteger la financiación para los servicios críticos. Lo hicimos.
Más tarde en el mes, el 16 de febrero, la coalición Child Care for Oregon (CCFO) realizó un día de capacitación y presencia en el Capitolio. 35 miembros de la comunidad visitaron 20 oficinas legislativas, asegurando que las prioridades de las madres, padres y cuidadoras fueran escuchadas alta y claramente.

Los asuntos pendientes que llevamos a 2027

Necesitamos ser honestas con respecto a lo siguiente: La legislatura no incluyó financiación para restaurar los $45 millones en recortes hechos al presupuesto de DELC en 2025. Esto significa que menos niñas y niños tendrán acceso al cuidado infantil mientras las proveedoras continúan absorbiendo los costos crecientes y la inflación sin apoyo adicional.

Tuvimos éxito de muchas maneras. Sin embargo, la lucha por un cuidado infantil completamente financiado y accesible, continúa.

Nuestras principales prioridades para la sesión legislativa 2027

• Restauración completa de la financiación de DELC para asegurar que cada familia que necesita cuidado infantil pueda acceder a él
• Financiación ampliada para las proveedoras de cuidado infantil para abordar los costos crecientes y la inflación
• Protección continua de la atención reproductiva y de afirmación de género mientras los ataques federales se intensifican

Celebrando nuestro trabajo colectivo

En comunidad, hemos estado en las primeras líneas de esta lucha. Desde apoyar la manifestación en el Capitolio hasta coordinar testimonios de madres, padres y proveedoras, para mantener a miles de ustedes informadas y activas. Ninguna de estas victorias habría sido posible sin nuestra defensa estratégica colectiva y el poder de base que ustedes trajeron a cada audiencia, cada llamada y cada acción. Así es como se ve el poder colectivo.

Manténganse comprometidas: La lucha continúa

¡No tenemos planes de detenernos ahora!

Estamos planeando más días de acción y construcción comunitaria, como la próxima huelga anual de proveedoras de cuidado infantil, Día sin cuidado infantil, el 11 de mayo del 2026. En asociación con otras defensoras del cuidado en Oregon, estamos participando en la mesa redonda del Sistema de Cuidado y Aprendizaje de la Primera Infancia de la Gobernadora Kotek. Y estamos apoyando a las socias en todo el estado al iluminar los temas que nos impactan a todas, como el día sin inmigrantes.

Así es cómo pueden mantenerse actualizadas e involucradas:

Inscríbanse en nuestras alertas de acción

]¡Enviamos correos electrónicos mensuales con llamados a la acción! Inscríbanse en nuestros correos para recibir actualizaciones y oportunidades para tomar acción durante los meses del verano que conducen a las elecciones primarias y generales.

Únanse a nosotras para la Cumbre del cuidado 2026

Estamos construyendo poder a través de los movimientos comunitarios. Únanse a nosotras para un evento de dos días en el Centro de Convenciones de Salem, del 24 al 26 de abril de 2026. Obtengan más información y regístrense aquí. ¡El espacio es limitados!

En resumen

En solo 33 días, demostramos que cuando las familias, las proveedoras y las defensoras se presentan juntas, podemos mover montañas. Protegimos los servicios esenciales. Recuperamos cientos de millones en ingresos de los vacíos fiscales corporativos. Fortalecimos las protecciones de atención médica para las personas de Oregon.

Pero también aprendimos que nuestro poder es necesario todos los días, no solo cuando la Legislatura está en sesión. La sesión 2027 traerá nuevos desafíos y nuevas oportunidades. El trabajo que hagamos entre ahora y entonces — construir relaciones, organizar nuestras comunidades y hacer que las funcionarias electas rindan cuentas — determinará qué es posible cuando esos martillos vuelvan a golpear.

Gracias por presentarse. Gracias por hablar. Y gracias por negarse a dejar que el cuidado de nuestras niñas y niños sea una idea de último momento.

The post Oregon’s 2026 Legislative Session: We Showed Up, We Won, and We’re Not Done Yet | Sesión Legislativa 2026 de Oregon: Nos presentamos, ganamos, y no hemos terminado appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

Hear from mom and care advocate, Natalie Kiyah, talk about her precarious participation in the ERDC program in this video from our friends at the Oregon Center for Public Policy (OCPP) below. A single parent, Natalie shares what it was like to lose Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), how hard she fought to rebuild, and why she is pleading with lawmakers to protect this lifeline before it disappears.

The issue at hand: If Oregon lawmakers do nothing, ERDC will run out of money in January 2027. Thousands of families like Natalie’s could lose the child care that makes work — and stability — possible. Roughly 12,0001 working Oregon families rely on ERDC at the moment, and losing the program would be devastating for our state economy. Our Political Director, Marchel Kaleikini, shares additional information about the program and talks about the choice our lawmakers face.

The post “She Works Full-Time. Without State Child Care, She Loses Everything.” appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> https://familyforwardoregon.org/2026/03/vote/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vote Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:14:10 +0000 https://familyforwardoregon.org/?p=8651 Your ballot is your power—but only if you’re registered to cast it! Oregon runs closed primaries, which means you must be registered with a political party to participate in primary elections. Folks who are not registered with a political party will still receive ballot to vote in nonpartisan races — like those for city and […]

The post Voting in the Oregon 2026 Midterm Elections appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> Your ballot is your power—but only if you’re registered to cast it! Oregon runs closed primaries, which means you must be registered with a political party to participate in primary elections. Folks who are not registered with a political party will still receive ballot to vote in nonpartisan races — like those for city and county positions — and any ballot measures.

Here’s your roadmap to make sure you’re ready for the primary election on May 19, 2026 and the general election on November 3, 2026.

Important Voter Registration Dates

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1st Week of March: Register to Vote

If you’re not yet registered, do it now. Oregon’s closed primary system means unaffiliated voters cannot participate in most primary races. Pick your party, claim your voice, and get in the game.

Action: Register to vote on the Oregon Secretary of State website here.

* Life changes, and your voter registration should too! Did you:

• Move to a new address?
• Change your name?
• Switch party affiliation?
• Update your signature?

Make sure you update your voter registration is up-to-date on the Oregon Secretary of State website

April 28, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election on May 16, 2026

This is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming primary election.

Action: Register before April 28. Set a reminder now.

October 13, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election on November 3, 2026

This is the last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election.

Action: Register before October 13. It takes just a few minutes to do online! Register to vote here.

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Important Election Dates

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Primary Election​​​​​​​​

Oregon will hold a statewide primary election on May 19, 2026.

​In Oregon, major political parties nominate their party candidates at the Primary Election. Major parties have the option of choosing a closed primary, meaning only voters registered with that party can vote for candidates of the same party. Those nominees then appear on the November General Election ballot. All registered voters can participate in the General Election, regardless of their party affiliation. 

All voters, regardless of party affiliation, will be able to vote for non-partisan races and for measures, if any, at the Primary Election.

Learn more on the Voting in Oregon webpage.​

April 29, 2026
First day ballots are mailed to voters

May 19, 2026
Election Day. County Clerk’s offices open 7 am – 8 pm. Official dropsites open until 8 pm. Last day for voter to return ballot. Ballots that are mailed must be postmarked by election day. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8pm.

June 25, 2026
Final election results certified.

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General Election​​​​​​​​

Oregon will hold a statewide general election on November 3, 2026.

September 18, 2026
Military & overseas ballots mailed

October 5, 2026
Out of state ballots mailed

October 13, 2026
Voter registration deadline

October 16, 2026
Ballots mailed to voters

November 3, 2026
Election Day

November 10, 2026
Last day to receive valid postmarked ballots from USPS

November 24, 2026
Last day to resolve challenged ballots

November 30, 2026
Last day to certify election

*These dates are subject to change. Please check the Secretary of State website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The post Voting in the Oregon 2026 Midterm Elections appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> https://familyforwardoregon.org/2026/02/dont-balance-oregons-budget-on-the-backs-of-black-and-brown-caregivers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dont-balance-oregons-budget-on-the-backs-of-black-and-brown-caregivers Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:01:00 +0000 https://familyforwardoregon.org/?p=8641 by Candice R. Williams, MEd, MSSE, Executive Director at For All Families Oregon Oregon Capital ChronicleFebruary 27, 2026 As we close out Black History Month, we must remember what this commemorative month asks of us as a community: Honor those who fought for racial and economic justice. But history isn’t just about the past — […]

The post Don’t balance Oregon’s budget on the backs of Black and brown caregivers appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> by Candice R. Williams, MEd, MSSE, Executive Director at For All Families Oregon

Oregon Capital Chronicle
February 27, 2026

As we close out Black History Month, we must remember what this commemorative month asks of us as a community: Honor those who fought for racial and economic justice. But history isn’t just about the past — it’s about the systems that continue to marginalize communities today.

Oregon faces a child care crisis and we must be clear about who bears its brunt. Nationally, the child care workforce is 95% women.

Black, brown, and melanated women are disproportionately represented in this essential, underpaid labor that allows every other sector of our economy to function. Immigrants make up at least 21% of our child care workforce, and roughly one in four providers rely on Medicaid for health insurance. None of this is coincidence. This is history repeating itself.

Caregiving has always been devalued work. When work is devalued and workers are marginalized, it becomes easy for politicians to strip away funding. It becomes easy to say “we can’t afford it” when the “it” is the livelihood of Black and brown women.

When you cut child care funding, you’re not just cutting programs. You’re cutting the economic stability of our communities and pathways out of poverty for families of color. You’re replicating the same systems of exclusion that Black History Month asks us to dismantle.

During the 2026 legislative session, we made three specific, achievable demands:

• Restore the $20 million in unspent dollars from the Early Learning Account to fund early childhood programs. The money exists, it simply needs to be redirected to serve the children it was meant to help.
• Retain the $78 million of federal Child Care Development Fund dollars to fill the ERDC deficit. With thousands of families on waitlists, we cannot afford to lose this critical funding.
• Stop making cuts to DELC. Do not balance the budget on the backs of Black and brown caregivers. Proposed cuts of even 2.5% would mean $30 million slashed from programs that serve our most vulnerable families.

Oregon ranks as the 10th most expensive state for child care, with preschool costs averaging $14,000 annually and infant care nearing $20,000. For working families, this isn’t just expensive; it’s prohibitive and exclusionary.

This Black History Month, we have a choice. We can celebrate the icons of the past while perpetuating the inequities of the present, or we can honor their legacy by fighting for justice right here, right now. When we invest in child care, we fund justice. We fund the future that Black History Month asks us to imagine and build.

Access to child care has a direct impact on Oregon’s economy. When parents know they have safe, consistent care for their children, they can work and contribute to our state’s prosperity. Child care is one of the biggest expenses families face, yet we treat it as optional rather than essential infrastructure.

The civil rights leaders we honor this month understood that economic justice and racial justice are inseparable. They fought for systems that lifted entire communities, not just individuals. Today, that same fight continues in Salem, where lawmakers must decide whether child care deserves investment or austerity.

I’m grateful to be in this work alongside parents, providers, and advocates across Oregon who understand that child care is civil rights work. The question now is whether our legislature will join us.

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

The post Don’t balance Oregon’s budget on the backs of Black and brown caregivers appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> https://familyforwardoregon.org/2026/02/child-care-for-construction/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=child-care-for-construction Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:03:21 +0000 https://familyforwardoregon.org/?p=8627 From the high cost of tools to daily living expenses, many construction apprentices face financial hurdles that can jeopardize their training and careers, especially for those that are parents. That’s why it is so important to support our Oregon workers where it matters most: family. Nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and childcare. […]

The post Child Care for Construction: Financial Assistance Program for Apprentices and Early-Career Journey Workers appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> From the high cost of tools to daily living expenses, many construction apprentices face financial hurdles that can jeopardize their training and careers, especially for those that are parents. That’s why it is so important to support our Oregon workers where it matters most: family. Nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and childcare.

Thanks to a partnership between BOLI and Business Oregon, registered apprentices and early-career journey workers in construction are eligible for subsidies to make child care more accessible and affordable. The Child Care for Construction program collaborates with other state agencies and community partners to provide financial assistance to help Oregonians be successful.

The CCC program helps eligible families access reliable, affordable child care, because strong communities start with strong families. Under the CCC program, Oregon provides childcare subsidies to keep your cost for childcare at or below 7% of total household income.

There is no maximum household income for this program. You may qualify for financial assistance if you have children under the age of 12 (or with special needs under the age of 17) living at home and in need of care from someone other than a parent, and you currently spend more than 2-7% of your household income on child care.

Learn more about the program on the BOLI website here.

The post Child Care for Construction: Financial Assistance Program for Apprentices and Early-Career Journey Workers appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> https://familyforwardoregon.org/2026/02/roundtable/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=roundtable Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:04:36 +0000 https://familyforwardoregon.org/?p=8604 For All Families Oregon (FAFO) is excited to share that our Executive Director, Candice Williams, will be a part of the Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable effort led by co-chairs Kali Thorne Ladd and Sara Mickelson. Read the full announcement from the Governor’s office below.

The post FAFO Executive Director Named to Governor Kotek’s Early Childhood Care & Learning System Roundtable to Chart a Path to Universal Preschool for Oregon appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> For All Families Oregon (FAFO) is excited to share that our Executive Director, Candice Williams, will be a part of the Governor’s Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable effort led by co-chairs Kali Thorne Ladd and Sara Mickelson. Read the full announcement from the Governor’s office below.

Governor Kotek Convenes Experts to Chart a Path to Universal Preschool for Oregon 

Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable to start with assessing current state-funded early learning programs to identify gaps and recommend improvements, strengthen alignment

Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced she is convening state and national early learning experts to provide recommendations to improve access to affordable, quality childcare and preschool across the state, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to preschool for all Oregon children.

“While President Trump freezes funds for childcare and undermines early education, Oregonians agree that children should have access to high-quality education, and that starts before kindergarten,” Governor Kotek said. “These leaders will work together to help us chart an actionable path for Oregon to achieve universal, statewide pre-k that working families can access and afford. Achieving this goal will help all children succeed and support the working families who make our economy grow.” 

The first five years of a child’s life are a critical period for learning and growth. The First Five Years Fund, a national non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring all children from birth to age five have access to high-quality, affordable early care and education, finds that children who receive a high-quality early childhood education are more likely to earn higher wages, live healthier lives, avoid the criminal justice system, raise strong families, and contribute to society. 

Additionally, a lack of early childhood care and learning options hurts the state’s economy. The First Five Years Fund projects that Oregon’s economy loses $1.4 billion annually due to childcare challenges. Too often, parents face an impossible choice between missing work and caring for their children. For some, that means forgoing a job altogether. 

Over the past decade, Oregon has made important progress in expanding access to quality preschool at both the state and local level. However, too many families still struggle to find and afford high-quality childcare and preschool. 

The Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable (Roundtable) will work in phases to develop a blueprint for an Oregon where every family can access and afford high-quality childcare and preschool. The scope of the Roundtable’s recommendations includes:

• How to improve the state’s current childcare and preschool programs with existing resources. 
• How to expand access and improve affordability of childcare for infants and toddlers across the state. 
• How to achieve universal preschool access for 3-and 4-year-olds across all 36 Oregon counties. 

The Roundtable will be chaired by Kali Thorne Ladd, CEO of Children’s Institute, and Sara Mickelson, a national expert in early childhood systems. 

Thorne Ladd was previously the co-founder and executive director of KairosPDX, a culturally specific organization dedicated to eliminating educational opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved children. Thorne Ladd has a long track record of working to transform early learning and healthy development for children and families in Oregon. This has included serving as the chair of the board for Portland Community College, serving on the state’s Early Learning Council, and serving on the board of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation based in Portland. Thorne Ladd has also worked on education strategies in the mayor’s office in the City of Portland and at the Oregon Department of Education. 

“I am glad the Governor made the strategic decision to prioritize this conversation,” Thorne Ladd said. “Access to quality early learning has an enormous impact on Oregon’s economic prosperity and is essential for our children to thrive in school and in life.”

Mickelson recently served as Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Early Childhood Education & Care Department, where she managed an annual budget of over $700 million and led the teams responsible for New Mexico’s PreK expansion, home visiting, and childcare toward a universal system. Mickelson brings deep familiarity with Oregon’s specific landscape to the role, having previously served as Chief of Programs and Chief of Staff for the Oregon Early Learning Division. During her tenure in Salem, she led the budget development and implementation of the early learning portion of the Student Success Act, resulting in a historic doubling of the state’s early care and education budget and the creation of 15,000 new early learning opportunities. 

“Expanding access to early childhood services isn’t just about policy; it’s about providing stability for working families and a strong start for children in their most important years of development,” Mickelson said. “Scaling an early learning system that truly works for every family, regardless of where they live in the state, is a critical undertaking. This starts with getting the plan right, creating a roadmap that is not just ambitious but sustainable and grounded in the reality of what Oregon parents need.”

“Governor Kotek’s leadership on universal preschool couldn’t come at a more critical moment,” said Candice Williams, Executive Director at For All Families Oregon (formerly Family Forward). “While we face alarming kindergarten readiness gaps and a childcare crisis that’s costing Oregon’s economy billions, this roundtable can be a source of hope for Oregon families. We’ve seen what happens when early learning programs work: children thrive, parents can go to work, and communities prosper. But we’ve also seen too many families struggle to find quality, affordable care. This effort must address the urgent needs of working families across all 36 counties and ensure every child has access to the strong start they deserve. This is about building an Oregon where families don’t have to choose between their paycheck and their child’s care and development.”

The Early Childhood Care and Learning System Roundtable follows a series of actions the Governor has taken to improve public education at every level. That work has included the highest level of K-12 funding support in Oregon history, new investments in science-backed reading instruction, a statewide cell phone ban in schools, and the expansion of summer learning opportunities. The Governor’s collective efforts to tackle education challenges in Oregon helped contribute to a record high 82% high school graduation rate in 2025. 

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The post FAFO Executive Director Named to Governor Kotek’s Early Childhood Care & Learning System Roundtable to Chart a Path to Universal Preschool for Oregon appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> https://familyforwardoregon.org/2026/02/mid-session-update/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mid-session-update Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:23:44 +0000 https://familyforwardoregon.org/?p=8591 Hello from For All Families Oregon (FAFO)! This update is coming to you from Shayla, the Care Intern at FAFO, to keep everyone in the loop on where our bills are and where they are going this legislative session. I’ve been honored to work with the team for the 2026 short session and have learned so […]

The post 2026 Legislative Mid-Session Update appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

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Hello from For All Families Oregon (FAFO)!

This update is coming to you from Shayla, the Care Intern at FAFO, to keep everyone in the loop on where our bills are and where they are going this legislative session. I’ve been honored to work with the team for the 2026 short session and have learned so much about advocacy, child care, and the ups and downs of working to get measures passed. We’ve got a great team here at FAFO who have made me feel welcomed with open arms and allowed me to get involved despite having no experience in the field of advocacy — and now I want to help everyone else get involved too!

I will kick things off with a summary of the bills we are supporting this short session and where they are as of this week. I’ll be providing a recap on what public hearings and work sessions have happened. If you missed the live hearing or work session and want to watch a recording, find a link attached to the bills. Follow a bill’s journey through the publicly available recordings on OLIS, shared below.

Funding the $88M budget shortfall

Tuesday 2/17 – CANCELLED
Ways & Means Sub Committee on Education
Lawmakers must allocate the $20M in the Early Learning Account and the $78M of federal funding from the Child Care Development Grant

SB 1507 (Federal Tax Disconnect)

Monday, 2/9 (8am)
Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue 
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4088 (Strengthening Shield Laws)

Monday, 2/9 (3pm)
House Committee on Judiciary
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4018 (Campaign Finance Reform)

Tuesday, 2/10 (8am)
House Committee on Rules
WATCH HEARING HERE

Thursday, 2/12 (8am)
House Committee on Rules 
WATCH PUBLIC HEARING HERE
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments and referred to Ways and Means

HB 4127 (Reproductive Justice)

Thursday, 2/12 (3pm)
House Committee on Health Care
Result of Work Session: Passed with amendments and referred to Ways and Means
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4057 (Streamlining Early Learning Systems)

Tuesday, 2/10 (8am)
House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments. Referred to President’s desk.
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4079 (Safeguarding Students and Families)

Wednesday, 2/11 (8am)
House Committee on Education 
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4138 (Law Enforcement Visibility Act)

Monday, 2/16 (3pm)
House Committee on Judiciary
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

SB 1587 (Prevent Data Broker Sharing)

Wednesday, 2/11 (12:45pm)
Senate Committee on Judiciary
WATCH PUBLIC HEARING HERE

Monday, 2/16 (12:45pm)
Senate Committee on Judiciary
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments

HB 4150 (Public Contracts Prohibition)

Thursday, 2/12 (1pm)
House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4111 (Anti-Discrimination Protections)

Monday, 2/16 (3pm)
House Committee on Judiciary
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4114 (Protect Your Door Act)

Wednesday, 2/11 (3pm)
House Committee on Judiciary
Result of Work Session: Passed with Amendments. Referred to President’s desk.
WATCH WORK SESSION HERE

HB 4117 (Representation and Children’s Stability Fund)

Monday, 2/16 (3pm)
House Committee on Judiciary
WATCH PUBLIC HEARING HERE 

Thank you for taking an interest in care!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns on child care, the bills we’re supporting, or anything else, feel free to reach out to me at my email, shayla@forallfamilies.org. 

The post 2026 Legislative Mid-Session Update appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> https://familyforwardoregon.org/2026/02/black-history-month-2026/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=black-history-month-2026 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:28:32 +0000 https://familyforwardoregon.org/?p=8609 As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of what would become Black History Month, I want to reflect on a fundamental aspect of our history that often goes uncelebrated: the legacy of care and caregiving in Black and African American communities.  This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites us to honor not just the […]

The post Care Work is Foundational to Community Empowerment appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

]]> As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of what would become Black History Month, I want to reflect on a fundamental aspect of our history that often goes uncelebrated: the legacy of care and caregiving in Black and African American communities. 

This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” invites us to honor not just the famous names in history books, but the everyday caregivers whose hands have held our communities together through generations.

Carter G. Woodson, born to formerly enslaved parents, understood that education was the path to self-empowerment. What he also understood, and what we must reclaim today is that care work is equally foundational to community empowerment. For generations, Black caregivers have been the unsung architects of our resilience.

Today, care workers — overwhelmingly Black, brown, and melanated women — continue this tradition under increasingly difficult conditions. The same hands that care for us and our loved ones are often paid less than a living wage, with some facing reclassification that could drop their pay to $7.25 an hour.

To quote Audre Lorde, “Your silence will not protect you… And at last you’ll know with surpassing certainty that only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.”

It is this idea that drives what we do here at FAFO! We work in community to build power for future generations by ensuring today’s parents and caregivers are supported.

And right now in Salem, our legislature is meeting for a very short session of just 35 days. They’re working to pass bills and determine budgets — tangible moral decrees on what is deemed most important. During legislative session, we can show up and demand our lawmakers invest in our communities instead of prioritizing corporations and the ultra wealthy. 

We’ll be in Salem on the 16th for the Child Care For Oregon (CCFO) Day of Action to tell our lawmakers: it’s time to support working families. We’d love for you to join us in speaking our truths.

Learn more about this year’s legislative session and get involved here.

Mientras conmemoramos el centenario de lo que se convertiría en el Mes de la Historia Negra, quiero reflexionar sobre un aspecto fundamental de nuestra historia que a menudo pasa desapercibido: el legado del cuidado y las cuidadoras en las comunidades negras y afroamericanas.

El tema de este año, “un siglo de conmemoraciones de la historia negra”, nos invita a honrar no solo los nombres de las personas famosas en los libros de historia, sino a las cuidadoras cotidianas cuyas manos han mantenido unidas a nuestras comunidades a través de generaciones.

Carter G. Woodson, nacido de padres que fueron esclavizados, entendió que la educación era el camino hacia la auto-capacitación. Lo que también entendió, y lo que debemos reclamar hoy, es que el trabajo del cuidado es igualmente fundamental para el empoderamiento comunitario. Durante generaciones, las cuidadoras negras han sido las arquitectas no reconocidas de nuestra resiliencia.

Hoy, las trabajadoras del cuidado — en una mayoría abrumadora, mujeres negras y de piel morena— continúan esta tradición bajo condiciones cada vez más difíciles. Las mismas manos que nos cuidan a nosotras y a nuestros seres queridos a menudo reciben un salario inferior al mínimo vital, y algunas enfrentan reclasificaciones que podrían reducir su pago a $7.25 la hora.

Para citar a Audre Lorde: “Tu silencio no te protegerá… y al fin sabrás con certeza incomparable que solo una cosa es más aterradora que hablar tu verdad. Y eso es no hablar.” Es esta idea lo que impulsa lo que hacemos aquí en FAFO. Trabajamos en comunidad para construir poder para las generaciones futuras, asegurando que las madres, padres y cuidadoras de hoy tengan apoyo.

En este momento en Salem, nuestra legislatura se reúne para una sesión muy corta de tan solo 35 días. Están trabajando para aprobar proyectos de ley y determinar presupuestos, decretos morales tangibles sobre lo que se considera más importante. Durante este tiempo, podemos presentarnos y exigir que inviertan en nuestras comunidades en lugar de priorizar a las corporaciones y los ultra ricos.

Estaremos en Salem para decirles a nuestras legisladoras y legisladores: es hora de apoyar a las familias trabajadoras. Nos encantaría que te unieras a nosotras para hablar sobre nuestras verdades.

Obtenga más información sobre la sesión legislativa de este año y tome acción aquí.

The post Care Work is Foundational to Community Empowerment appeared first on Family Forward Oregon.

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