Childcare

Wisconsin families are facing a childcare cliff, and now is the time to act. Rising costs and closures of childcare centers are making it nearly impossible–sometimes impossible–for families to access childcare. This is an economic issue, and deserves swift action from legislators. Childcare centers are the workforce behind the workforce–we must continue to act to help Wisconsin families, save childcare centers, and support our local economy.

Child Care Counts

I have been fighting for years to preserve Child Care Counts, and authored the bill to establish it as a permanent program. This funding helps families afford childcare, and it helps childcare centers remain open, pay their workers needed wages, and provide quality care. Without this funding childcare centers in Wisconsin will close, and already high childcare costs will continue to rise.

Cutting Costs for Childcare

I introduced the Cutting Costs for Childcare package alongside my Democratic colleagues to lower the cost of childcare, increase access to childcare, and increase the number of childcare providers. These bills lower costs by raising the income limits for the Wisconsin Shares program, capping Wisconsin Shares copayments at 7% of a family’s income, and allowing Wisconsin Shares to include “like-kin” caregivers. They also incentivize individuals to pursue a career in childcare, and keep childcare professionals in the industry by covering the costs of training for early educators and establishing new benefits for childhood educators.

Childcare Tax Credit

I supported a childcare tax credit expansion to reduce taxes for families who are struggling to afford the high cost of childcare. I have spoken to constituents who, with tears in their eyes, have told me how valuable this tax credit was to their family.

We know that access to affordable childcare is a hurdle to entering or reentering the workforce. Women are affected disproportionately by lack of access to childcare. I am committed to reducing childcare costs and supporting access to affordable childcare.