A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
VIRGINIANS ELECT NEW STATEWIDE, HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEMBERS A record number of Virginians headed to the polls on November 2 to cast their votes in races to elect our next Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, all 100 Members of the House of Delegates, and various local officials. The elections drew strong voter turnout from across Virginia, including in rural and suburban areas of the Commonwealth. 
When results were finalized, Republicans recaptured control of all three statewide executive offices for the first time in more than a decade. The final party breakdown of House of Delegates seats remains to be seen as Democratic incumbents Alex Askew (House District 85) and Martha Mugler (House District 91) seek recounts in their respective races after trailing their opponents by under half a percentage point of the vote. If the recounts change the outcome of one or both races, Republicans would hold a 51-49 majority or tie at 50-50 with Democrats. Meanwhile, the state Senate will maintain a slim 21-19 Democratic majority in the 2022 Session, with Senate elections scheduled for 2023.
Based on election day exit polls, education was among the top policy priorities for voters. The Virginia Promise Partnership will work to leverage this heightened focus on education as we continue our efforts to strengthen Virginia's child care system. We look forward to working with the Youngkin Administration and all General Assembly members to achieve our bold goal of quality, affordable child care for all Virginians by 2030!
In the days after the Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to reiterate our deep gratitude for our incredible child care professionals and Promise Advocate community! Your hard work and tireless dedication is truly invaluable to Virginia's children, families, and communities.
U.S. HOUSE PASSES HISTORIC CHILD CARE INVESTMENTS On November 19, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 220-213 to pass the Build Back Better Act, landmark legislation with historic investments in children, families, and our nation's child care system. The latest package includes nearly $390 billion to address the child care needs of families with children ages 0-5, including important provisions that would:
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where Members return this week following the Thanksgiving break with hopes of considering the legislation before the December recess.
While we are thrilled the legislation passed the U.S. House, our work isn't over! Visit this ACTION CENTER to learn how to email, call, and tag your Senator on social media to share your support for this important bill. Read more from the First Five Years Fund on the Build Back Better Act's child care provisions here.
PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION 
During our November Promise Advocates meeting, we welcomed Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy Director Kristina Hagen as well as Two Capitols Consulting Vice President and Virginia Alliance of YMCAs representative Elizabeth Parker to share updates on the Youngkin Administration transition and upcoming General Assembly session. Both the Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy and Virginia Alliance of YMCAs are active members of the Partnership, and we greatly appreciate Kristina and Elizabeth's insights during our monthly call!
CHILD CARE IN THE NEWS
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