FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC – September 30, 2020 – Last night’s chaotic and embarrassing presidential debate did nothing to calm the nerves of American families anxious about the economy and the fate of their children’s well-being during COVID-19. But earlier this week, the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled an updated COVID-19 recovery plan that includes $57 billion in emergency funding for child care. Fortunately for the District of Columbia, the new package also includes an additional $755 million to correct its CARES Act misclassification.
This new bill reconfirms House leaders’ commitment to supporting an industry critical to the nation’s economic recovery. Every working parent in the District of Columbia and around the country needs access to stable, affordable, high-quality early care and education programs that prepare their children to thrive. The recovery plan now waits for a distracted Senate to move and save an industry teetering on the brink of collapse.
“We thank Speaker Pelosi and the House for their continued support of child care,” said Under 3 DC Coalition Director Ronald Jarrett. “They’ve shown an unwavering commitment to an industry that is critical to the nation’s economic recovery. It is widely recognized by Democrats and Republicans–even in these highly partisan times–that every working parent needs child care. I’m hopeful that if the Senate can fast-track a Supreme Court nomination, they’ll prioritize the well-being of American families,” continued Jarrett.
This additional financial support is especially important in the District, which is in danger of losing as many as half of its 6,500 child care slots. Almost half of D.C.’s child care providers remain closed seven months after the onset of the public health emergency. The District is now reverting to its pre-pandemic plan for how it reimburses providers who serve low-income families, despite COVID-19’s continued presence.
The $57 billion in emergency funding will be a lifeline for child care across the country, and the additional $755 million will do a lot to help the District of Columbia. Under 3 DC stands ready to support District early childhood educators as they do their best to hang on and navigate their way through this crisis.
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About Under 3 DC
Under 3 DC harnesses the voices and power of parents with young children, early educators, and community-based organizations to create transformative social change. We shine a spotlight on the need for more public investments to support families with infants and toddlers. Together, we can set the District of Columbia on a path to creating and sustaining a high-quality, equitable early childhood system.
