Democratic Lawmakers Seek Five-Year Extension for Pandemic-Era Child Care Grant Program

September 14, 2023

Introduction

In a significant move, Democratic members of Congress introduced a bill aimed at extending funding for the pandemic-era child care subsidy program, which is currently set to expire at the end of this month. The proposed legislation seeks to secure funding for the child care stabilization grant program, originally established in 2021 to assist child care providers in covering additional expenses incurred during the pandemic. If passed, this bill would allocate $16 billion in mandatory funding each year for the next five years, ensuring the continuity of this vital program.

Background

• The child care stabilization grant program was initially funded in 2021 with $24 billion as part of the COVID-19 relief package.
• The urgency of extending this program is emphasized by the imminent expiration date on September 30.

Senator Patty Murray’s Call to Action

• Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington and the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined forces with congressional colleagues, child care providers, and advocates to emphasize the urgency of acting swiftly.
• Murray highlighted the far-reaching consequences of letting this lifeline expire, asserting that it would impact the entire U.S. economy.

Senator Murray’s Statement

“When I say we need to act more urgently before things get worse – I don’t just mean parents are going to feel the pain, or child care workers are going to feel the pain,” Murray stated. “I mean, the entire U.S. economy is going to feel this.”

Potential Consequences

• If funding for child care is not extended, providers may be forced to increase fees or cease operations.
• Parents may have no choice but to leave their jobs to care for their children.

Rep. Bobby Scott’s Perspective

• Rep. Bobby Scott, a Democrat from Virginia and ranking member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, emphasized the difficult choices faced by individuals who must choose between their careers and caring for their children.

Bill’s Co-Sponsors

• The proposed bill already boasts 35 co-sponsors in the Senate and 78 in the House, primarily comprising Democrats.
• Notably, independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who caucuses with the Democratic Party, is among the co-sponsors.

Senator Sanders’ Warning

• Sanders warned of dire consequences if Congress fails to take action, citing potential risks for over 3 million children, 230,000 child care workers, and 70,000 child care facilities.

Regional Impact

• U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, estimated regional impacts, including potential child care spot losses and layoffs.

Importance of Maintaining Investments

• U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the leading Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, stressed the importance of maintaining these investments to support parents during challenging economic times.

Cynthia Davis’s Concerns

• Cynthia Davis, the founder and CEO of Kings and Queens Childcare Center in Washington, D.C., shared her concerns at the press conference, highlighting potential impacts on her business.

Personal Experiences

• U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat from New Jersey, recounted her personal struggles in finding affordable child care for her daughter.
• U.S. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, a Democrat from California, emphasized the issue’s disproportionate effect on women.

Impact on Children

• U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a Democrat from New York and a former middle school principal, underscored the profound impact of quality child care on the lives of children.
• Bowman highlighted the risks children face without access to quality child care, including exposure to toxic stress and chronic trauma, which can hinder their brain development.

Bowman’s Call to Action

• Bowman emphasized the critical role of investing in child care, asserting, “We do not and will not have a healthy democracy, a healthy society, and a healthy human race without investing in child care.”

The future of child care funding now hangs in the balance, as these lawmakers push for a five-year extension to safeguard the well-being of children, families, and the economy.