Sen. Gillibrand announces Child Care Stabilization Act
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced a new piece of legislation on Wednesday aimed at supporting working parents. The proposed legislation, known as the Child Care Stabilization Act, addresses the looming expiration of federal funding for child care providers, which is set to occur at the end of this month.
According to Gillibrand, if this funding were to expire, it would have a detrimental impact on over 5,000 child care centers throughout New York State. The consequence would be parents having to reduce their work hours or even exit the workforce altogether due to the unavailability of affordable child care options.
The Child Care Stabilization Act, as outlined by Gillibrand, seeks to provide a solution by allocating $16 billion in mandatory funding to child care providers annually for the next five years. This substantial financial support is intended to enable child care providers to continue their operations without interruption.
In her statement, Senator Gillibrand emphasized the crucial importance of accessible and affordable childcare for parents. She highlighted that it not only empowers parents to excel in their careers and contribute to the national economy but also enhances overall labor force participation while reducing worker absenteeism. Additionally, it plays a pivotal role in securing a better future for children.
Senator Gillibrand expressed her hope that this vital legislation will successfully pass before the year’s end, ultimately safeguarding the interests of working parents and child care providers across the nation.