Republican Representative Nancy Mace expresses concern about the daunting task that Congress faces in addressing the exorbitant cost of child care as federal funding from the pandemic era is set to expire within a few weeks. This imminent situation has been dubbed the “child care cliff.”
Under the 2021 American Rescue Plan, approximately $40 billion was allocated to the child care industry to assist providers in remaining operational throughout the pandemic. However, with this funding scheduled to end on September 30, it is projected that 70,000 child care programs may shut down, resulting in a loss of child care spots for over 3 million children. The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank, warns that numerous parents could be impacted, ultimately weakening the labor market if they are compelled to leave the workforce.
Anticipating this crisis, Mace and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna have recently established the Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus with the aim of addressing the high cost of child care. Together, they are exploring solutions to make child care more affordable and accessible.
Mace highlights the importance of affordable child care and parental freedom in choosing child care options, including 4-year-old pre-K programs. She suggests that certain regulations governing child care establishments, such as the requirement of a four-year college degree for child care workers, need to be reconsidered. Additionally, she mentions the need to address the lack of reciprocity between states in recognizing certifications for child care workers. Mace believes that rolling back smaller regulations, with bipartisan support, can lead to significant improvements in the child care system.
Khanna supports Mace’s perspective and emphasizes the necessity of additional training, flexibility, and higher pay for child care workers. He also proposes government policy support for child care and the continuation of grants and funding under the child care stabilization act to provide a short-term solution. However, Khanna acknowledges the need for a long-term solution to reduce the financial burden on families, citing the average annual cost of child care, which amounts to $10,000 for a family. He believes that addressing these issues will allow more women to remain in the workforce.
In conclusion, the “child care cliff” presents a pressing challenge for Congress, and lawmakers like Mace and Khanna are advocating for policy changes to mitigate the potential consequences of the expiring federal funding. These changes include revisiting regulations and providing support and financial assistance to child care workers and families. By adopting a comprehensive but targeted approach, they hope to make a meaningful difference in the child care landscape.
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