WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined 24 of his Senate colleagues to urge Senate leadership to prioritize the inclusion of $50 billion for child care relief in the next coronavirus relief package. The Senators specifically urge inclusion of the Child Care is Essential Act, legislation cosponsored by Senator King which would stabilize the child care system, keep providers in business, and ensure parents are able to go back to work when it is safe to return. The legislation was recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“As we continue to navigate the devastating impacts of the pandemic, the National Association for the Education of Young Children estimates that 40% of child care providers expect they will close permanently without additional assistance,” wrote the Senators. “This would be devastating for children, families, child care providers, and businesses. Unfortunately, the CARES Act did not provide enough funds to stabilize the industry and the Paycheck Protection Program provided short-term relief to less than 6 percent of all child care providers. Child care is too essential to fail. The upcoming stimulus must invest in child care so that we can stabilize and secure American families and our economy.”

 "MaineAEYC is grateful for Senator King’s support and his advocacy for the significant child care relief that is needed in our state and across the county. This level of emergency funding will help children, working families, and our economy,” said Tara Williams, Executive Director of the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children.

The full letter can be read HERE or downloaded below.

+++

Dear Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, and Leader McCarthy,

We write today to urge you to prioritize the inclusion of the Child Care is Essential Act in the next Coronavirus supplemental package. In order for our economy to recover, and for working families to return to work, the next supplemental package must include at least $50 billion in immediate child care stabilization funds and long-term investments to ensure access to quality, affordable child care for workers. 

As we continue to navigate the devastating impacts of the pandemic, the National Association for the Education of Young Children estimates that 40% of child care providers expect they will close permanently without additional assistance.[1] This would be devastating for children, families, child care providers, and businesses. Unfortunately, the CARES Act did not provide enough funds to stabilize the industry and the Paycheck Protection Program provided short-term relief to less than 6 percent of all child care providers.[2] Child care is too essential to fail. The upcoming stimulus must invest in child care so that we can stabilize and secure American families and our economy.  

The House passed the Child Care is Essential Act (H.R. 7027) in a bipartisan manner. This was a monumental first step. Including this bill as part of the upcoming stimulus package must be a top priority so that we can begin the hard work of rebuilding and revitalizing our future.

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to supporting your efforts to provide for the future of America’s children, economy, and early education and child care programs.

###