Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Tim Kaine's recently introduced child care package has garnered substantial support from organizations advocating for children, families, small businesses, and other sectors. Their legislation, the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act, aims to make child care more affordable and accessible by enhancing existing tax credits to lower costs and increasing the supply of child care providers.

"I am so excited to see the broad, enthusiastic outpouring of support for our child care legislation," said Senator Britt. "With our bipartisan introduction and this immediate strong showing of support, we are sending a message to the American people that we can and will get the job done to improve accessibility and affordability when it comes to child care."

Jon Barganier, president & CEO of Manufacture Alabama, emphasized the importance of childcare as an essential resource for working parents in Alabama. "Currently, parents in Alabama make up 35% of the workforce. When parents have access to high-quality and affordable childcare, employers benefit from reduced absenteeism and productivity loss," he said.

Mark Dixon, president of A+ Education Partnership stated: "Every child needs a strong start to be successful in school and life, and we support this important effort to expand access to the high-quality child care our children need."

Helena Duncan, Business Council of Alabama president & CEO noted: "Accessible and affordable childcare is a critical issue not only here in Alabama but in communities across the country." She added that they are proud to support Senator Britt's efforts at the federal level.

Rhonda Mann from VOICES for Alabama’s Children applauded Senators Britt and Kaine for prioritizing investments in childcare with their proposed acts. "This bipartisan child care plan addresses the workforce shortage and high costs of childcare in Alabama," she said.

Michele Stockwell from Bipartisan Policy Center Action highlighted how crucial choosing quality childcare is for working families. "The two bills put forth by the senators today mark a major milestone for the early childhood community," she remarked.

Sarah Rittling from First Five Years Fund expressed gratitude towards Senators Kaine and Britt for their bipartisan leadership. She commented: "By updating our tax code...this plan will provide meaningful support to hundreds of thousands of working families across the country."

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act has received endorsements from various organizations including A+ Education Partnership, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Business Council of Alabama among others. The Child Care Workforce Act also has significant backing including from National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) and ZERO TO THREE.

The worsening child care crisis continues to affect families, workers, businesses, with economic losses estimated at $122 billion annually due to increased costs over recent decades forcing many families into difficult decisions regarding childcare options.

The full text of both legislative acts can be accessed through provided links online.

Senator Britt remains committed to supporting families through various legislative efforts including introducing acts like More Opportunities for Moms to Succeed (MOMS) Act among others aimed at addressing early childhood development issues.