Sign Valentine’s Open Letter to Tell Elected Leaders to Commit to Solving the Child Care Crisis

From Moms Rising (https://www.momsrising.org/):

February is here and this Valentine’s Day, moms are definitely not feeling the love– we are feeling burnt out trying to balance all the things and constantly trying to fill the gaps when our lawmakers let us down over and over again. We aren’t dreaming of flowers, chocolates or brunch… we are dreaming of a world where raising kids in the USA wasn’t that darn hard– and that includes having access to affordable, quality child care in our communities.

We came really close to child care solutions last year and Congress couldn’t get it together for families. Will you sign this Valentine’s open letter at https://action.momsrising.org/sign/commit-to-childcare to tell elected leaders to show families and parents some REAL love and finally commit to solving the child care crisis? 

Let’s be clear: Child care is not some fringe issue, it’s a crisis that affects most caregivers. In the United States today, two-thirds of children from birth through age 12 have all available parents in the workforce [1]–and many more parents would join the workforce if good child care options were available. [2]

The lack of investments in child care are not only hurting parents, early care educators are also suffering– their work is often undervalued, and as a result, many childcare providers are living in poverty. It is estimated that 1 in 7 childcare workers, many of whom have their own children to support, are living below the poverty line, and only 15% have access to health care. [3]

It’s important to remind Congress now that showing love to families, parents, child care educators is more important than ever. Don’t forget about us! 

But this isn’t just about showing love to moms and families one day – this is about a commitment to families. For far too long, Congress hasn’t fully committed to investing in families or children – or to those that take care of them despite the evidence that they are supporting our children when they need it most in the critical early years of life when brain development and language acquisition are extensive. [4]  The U.S. currently spends less than 0.5% of GDP on early care and education—less than half of what many other developed countries invest. [5]  Families know (and Congress needs to know) that childcare is a public good that pays dividends for us all – and it’s past time that we treat it that way!

This Valentine’s Day, tell members of Congress: Show families your love and commitment by truly investing in child care so families in the United States can breathe a little easier.

Thank you for raising your voice for working families everywhere!

References:

[1] Kids Count Data Center
[2] Care for Child Care, America, It’s Time to Talk About Child Care
[3] Economic Policy Institute, Child Care Workers Aren’t Paid Enough to Make Ends Meet
[4] Care for Child Care, 2020 Case for Child Care
[5] OECD, Public Spending on Childcare and Early Education