November 9, 2006
Contact: Jenny Hogan, Legislative Assistant
(804) 698-1057 or (434) 409-3342

CHARLOTTESVILLE - Delegate David J. Toscano is pleased to announce that Governor Tim Kaine has identified nearly $4 million in state funds to assist localities facing the imminent loss of federal funding for a program designed to assist working families with the cost of high quality child care. Locally, these subsidies are awarded to families by the Thomas Jefferson Area United Way and the Albemarle County and City Charlottesville Departments of Social Services. The United Way Scholarship program has served an average of 300 children annually. The program allows parents to remain in the workforce rather than leaving to care for their children. The monies will be allocated to Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville, both of whom work with the United Way to administer the program.

Toscano, who has been working with the Governor’s office to find these funds since the problem was brought to his attention in April of 2006, hailed the action. “This will make a tremendous difference to many working families in our area who were faced with the prospect of losing essential monies for child care. Without this assistance, many would have had to leave their jobs because they could no longer afford quality care for their children.” In June, House Republicans prevented a vote on a similar initiative supported by the Governor and Toscano that would have brought similar relief. “The Governor was committed,” said Toscano, “to addressing this problem, and he has delivered on his promise.