Child Care for Working Families Act: State-by-State Estimates of $9 Billion in Proposed Grants

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) recently reintroduced a stronger, revised version of the Child Care for Working Families Act (CCWFA). The bill addresses longstanding inequities for families and providers. It would expand access to nearly all children under age 6—including through universal preschool—increase wages for providers and their staff, and make needed care investments in all states.

This brief examines the challenges youth face in the current job market and proposes recommendations for a national subsidized employment program that prioritizes equity and amplifies youth voices.

Young people from underserved communities—namely people with Black, brown, disabled, and/or LGBTQ+ identities—stress the importance of focusing on wellness, rather than on mental health and diagnoses.  Relatedly, they prefer community-based programs and peer networks over formal mental health services delivered in clinical settings.