Friends,

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to update you on my time in Richmond speaking about an issue I’m very concerned about: child care.

It’s abundantly clear: the child care industry is in crisis. Providers are stretched thin, especially as expanded pandemic-era funding is running out. Too many middle class families are struggling to find affordable, accessible care… and it’s majorly straining budgets for parents across the Commonwealth. 

This isn’t a fringe issue, and it’s definitely not just a “women’s issue” – it’s a moral and economic imperative for America. Kids deserve high-quality care. Families deserve choice, freedom, and flexibility. And our economy relies on a fully functioning child care system so that parents can return to work… plus, dollars invested in early child care can pay dividends. When kids get strong starts, it reduces the strain on our education and justice systems down the line.

Earlier this week, I visited a day care in Richmond and spoke to providers about this critical issue. The message is clear: more support at both the federal and state levels is needed. I’m pushing hard to get a $16 billion federal investment done, and I’m hopeful that my friends in the state government will also put up a significant investment, too. I also know that working families need some more breathing room in their budgets, and that’s why I’m pushing to expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

When we expanded the CTC during COVID, we halved child poverty – a historic achievement. Sadly, lawmakers let that expansion expire, reversing some of our progress. For years, I’ve pushed to re-expand the CTC, and now there’s a bipartisan agreement to broaden the benefit. I’m pushing hard to pass it ASAP, because it’s time to give families a break on their taxes and help them pay for essentials like child care.

I promise to keep fighting for working families, because it’s the right thing to do and it’s the smart investment to make. If you want to get in touch with me about child care or another issue that’s important to you, I encourage you to reach out to me by emailing me on the form on my website. You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,