Rep. Panetta and Cabrillo College Celebrate Federal Investment Secured for Childcare Center Expansion

Rep. Panetta secured $1.67 million to support the expansion of Cabrillo College Children's Center, key funding to continue progress on the institution's build-out of innovative, comprehensive housing projects and support services for low-income students. The planned expansion of the Children's Center will provide approximately 52 subsidized childcare spots for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers between six months and three years of age for low-income student parents attending either Cabrillo College or UCSC.

"A quarter of undergraduates in our nation are parents who need childcare to continue their education and get back in the workforce," said Rep. Panetta. "We are fortunate to have the Children's Center at Cabrillo College to provide these types of services for its student-parents and look forward to its expansion. I'm proud that the federal government is playing its part with this significant investment in the improved Children's Center, the education of student-parents, and, ultimately, the future of their children."

Last Congress, after more than a decade, Congress brought back a process to allow Representatives-who know their districts best-to request and secure funds for the programs and places that matter most to communities. Members of Congress are allowed to request funding for up to 15 projects in their community. The projects Rep. Panetta fought for address clear and present needs in California's 19th Congressional District and represent his commitment to strengthening federal partnerships with community leaders. In the last government funding bill, Rep. Panetta secured more than $15.18 millionin community project funding for local projects throughout California's 19th Congressional District, $5.53 millionin community project funding for local projects in Santa Cruz County, and $1.67 million for the Cabrillo Children's Center expansion.

Watch the full press conference: HERE