Tell Congress: Make childcare more affordable this year!

We are scrimping and saving just to afford childcare for our families. And while the attention on this issue is rising thanks to the election and parents like you speaking out, the investment in federal funding isn’t keeping up.

Nearly two-thirds of mothers with children under age six work, and families with a working mom spend nearly twice as much on childcare as they did 30 years ago. In fact, the average family spends anywhere from $3,997 to $17,062 a year depending on where they live and the ages of their children. Yet we know that investments in early education boosts moms, kids, and our economy.

Making that investment starts now! The U.S. Congress will be making final decisions when they return to Washington, D.C. after the election about how they plan to fund the federal budget, including early learning programs like the important Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which helps struggling families afford childcare.

Write your members of Congress NOW and tell them to make federal investments in high-quality, affordable childcare.

Dear Member of Congress,

As Congress makes funding decisions, I ask that you prioritize investments in childcare and early learning programs, in particular the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG).

Parents face serious challenges these days, starting with the fact that childcare costs more than college tuition in most states, and only 3 in 10 children have access to high-quality preschool opportunities right now. Further, the cost of childcare disproportionately affects low-income families as they are forced to spend a greater percentage of their income on childcare.

Unfortunately, only one in six children eligible for federal childcare assistance receives help.

Investments in early education and childcare don’t just boost individual families, but also the American economy. Leading economists agree that investments in high-quality early learning programs like preschool saves future dollars by 8:1. Studies also show that children who have high-quality early learning experiences are more likely to succeed in schools, graduate from high school, gain stable employment, and are less likely to be arrested as adults. Investing money now helps us save money in the future.

You can make a real difference in the lives of millions of children by approving an increase of $1.2 billion for CCDBG in the FY2017 Appropriations Bill.

Thank you,

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