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UPDATE:
Time is running out to ensure adequate funding for child care in COVID-19 relief legislation. Last week, we were disappointed to learn that both the bipartisan Senate bill and White House proposal that were recently introduced each include only $10 billion for child care relief, a huge shortfall from the $15 billion proposed by Senate Republicans and the $50 billion included in the recently-passed House bill.
Simply put, $10 billion isn’t enough to meet the needs of child care providers amid the pandemic. In fact, if Congress doesn’t secure stabilization funding at levels that will keep child care providers in business, experts predict half of America's child care supply will disappear. The outcome of the COVID-19 relief negotiations has significant implications for parents too: 70% of parents report that their child care programs are closed or are operating at reduced capacity, and 44% of parents have found that the lack of child care resources was a barrier to remote or in-person work.
Federal funding was foundational to steps Illinois has taken to support child care, such as the Child Care Restoration Grants, and stabilization of payments to providers.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The 116th Congress will head home for the holidays later this week and adjourn on January 3. so we have a limited window of opportunity to ask them to prioritize child care in their COVID-19 relief legislation.
Now more than ever, Congressional leaders must prioritize young children, families and child care providers when taking the next steps for economic recovery. We need your help NOW. Please contact your representatives in the House and Senate and ask them to secure relief funds for this critical support for our youngest learners and their families. |
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