Statement: FFYF’s Sarah Rittling on Initial White House Budget Request for FY26

This morning, the White House released a letter providing President Trump’s recommendations on discretionary funding levels for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Also known as the “skinny budget,” the letter contains $163 billion in proposed spending cuts across multiple federal agencies. It is expected that the White House will release its full Budget Request to Congress later this month.

The following is a statement from Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of First Five Years Fund, on the impact this request has on child care and early learning programs and what Congress needs to do next.

“The White House today released its initial FY2026 budget request outlining the Administration’s vision and priorities for discretionary programs. Congress will spend the next months moving on the fiscal 2026 appropriations process, including funding for child care and early learning programs.

“Despite earlier reports, the White House budget request does not include the elimination of Head Start—the program that provides valuable early learning, nutrition, and health screenings to more than 750,000 children living in poverty. This is welcome news and we remain optimistic that the President’s upcoming, more comprehensive budget request will also continue to fund this program. 

“Child care and early learning programs are both pro-work and pro-family. They make care more affordable and accessible, support children’s healthy development, strengthen family finances, and help fuel a strong economy.

“Congress is the ultimate authority on what is funded. As Members begin shaping Appropriations for FY26, they have a clear opportunity to showcase their support for these programs and we are grateful for the bipartisan support they have traditionally shown across all programs, including Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which are the backbone of child care across the nation. We also urge Congress to restore funding for the Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program, which helps states coordinate and improve their broader child care systems, and CCAMPIS, a program that provides post-secondary students access to on-campus child care. 

“We urge Congress in the months ahead to safeguard investments in these essential programs.”