On Thursday, Democrats introduced the “Child Care for Working Families Act” bill. The proposal would provide government-funded childcare for working class families who will be classified as those making below 150 percent of their state’s median income.
The legislation aims to use $90 billion within the next two years to guarantee that no family is allocating more than 7 percent of income for child care services.
“Decades of research shows that properly nurturing children in the early years of life is instrumental in supporting enhanced brain development, cognitive functioning, and emotional and physical health,” said Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) who also sits on the House Education and Workforce Committee.
“Today, the cost of child care has skyrocketed and too many parents now have to choose between paying for child care or a good-paying job,” he continued. “This bill fixes this national crisis and lays out the path of what early learning in America should look like.”
The hashtag #ChildCare4All began trending following Thursday’s announcement.
Families with a working mom spend nearly twice as much on childcare as they did 30 years ago. Support moms, kids & families. #ChildCare4All
— Ron Asher (@rmasher2) September 14, 2017
Child Care for Working Families Act is vitally important
I've seen firsthand the value of Pre-K programs for families & kids#ChildCare4All pic.twitter.com/boSnBrgUt1
— Ted Corcoran (RedTRaccoon) (@RedTRaccoon) September 14, 2017
Let's LOWER TAXES so that one-income families are possible again! The option of child care by a parent would be great! @POTUS#ChildCare4All
— Cari Kelemen (@KelemenCari) September 14, 2017
#ChildCare4All because, as our beloved Ann Richards warned us, people scapegoat moms rather than supporting our choices! #ThursdayThoughts pic.twitter.com/LHJ4c1q5Qx
— Christine Pelosi (@sfpelosi) September 14, 2017
The bill has the support of 27 Senate members and 59 members of the House of Representatives.