Commitment to Child Care Improvement
In a show of unwavering commitment to enhancing childcare services, White House officials welcomed more than 90 state legislators from 41 states to collaborate on making childcare more accessible and affordable for working families.
First Lady Jill Biden, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan delivered impactful remarks.
Driving Change through Federal Initiatives
The convening underscored the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to the cause, utilizing all available avenues to drive essential improvements.
With a steadfast focus on lowering costs for families, expanding child care supply, and enhancing job quality for childcare workers, the Administration has been unwavering in delivering for the childcare workforce since day one.
Moreover, by prioritizing these crucial aspects, the Administration has demonstrated its commitment to improving childcare services and support.
Through strategic investments from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, 225,000 childcare providers received crucial support, enabling them to remain operational and serve up to 10 million children.
Astonishingly, a third of providers reported that without these funds, permanent closures would have been inevitable.
A Vision for the Future of Child Care
President Biden’s vision for early childhood education envisions universal access to high-quality preschool and affordable, top-tier child care for working families. The President’s proposed budget aims to provide childcare assistance to families earning less than $200,000, capping their expenses at an affordable $10 per day.
While awaiting congressional considerations, the President has taken decisive action, signing a historic executive order in April. This order directs nearly every cabinet-level agency to enhance access to affordable, high-quality care and provide crucial support to care workers and family caregivers, a comprehensive step towards advancing childcare.
State-Driven Implementation
Recognizing the pivotal role of states in implementing high-quality child care, the Biden-Harris Administration has provided avenues for improvement through the Child Care & Development Block Grant (CCDBG).
States are now empowered to determine eligibility for child care assistance, parental out-of-pocket costs, and provider reimbursement rates.
A recent Health and Human Services (HHS) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) announced by Vice President Harris will cap childcare payments for families served by CCDBG at 7% of a family’s income and encourage states to waive copayments for families below 150% of the federal poverty level.
States Leading the Way
During the convening, state leaders shared successes from past legislative sessions and discussed the next steps for further state action on child care. Numerous states have already demonstrated their dedication to transforming childcare systems from the ground up.
In New Mexico, under the leadership of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, groundbreaking initiatives include creating a cabinet-level position for early childhood. The service provides free child care for families below 400% of the federal poverty level and compensates childcare providers adequately.
Gratitude and Commitment to Progress
White House officials expressed gratitude for the state legislators’ leadership and dedication to this critical issue. The collaborative discussions highlighted the steps taken by the Biden-Harris Administration to support state actions in improving childcare access, affordability, and quality.
Senior White House Officials Present at the Convening:
- First Lady Jill Biden
- Jennifer Klein, Assistant to the President and Director of the Gender Policy Council
- Neera Tanden, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council
- Tom Perez, Assistant & Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Carmel Martin, Deputy Assistant to the President & Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President
Sources: THX News & The White House.
