John—

“Child care should be a public service and not a barrier for working families,” said Merline Gallegos, a child care provider, and a member of NWLC's Sparking Change Storytelling Initiative, about why she is closing her home-based child care program today on Day Without Child Care. Her words and commitment to building a better child care system for all are being echoed across the country today. It’s time for Congress to act.

Tell Congress: Support Child Care Now [[link removed]]
We cannot leave children, parents, and early educators behind.
TAKE ACTION [[link removed]]

Today, on Day Without Child Care, thousands of early educators like Merline are coming togetherer with parents, businesses, and advocates to draw attention to the child care crisis and advocate for equitable access to child care, better pay and working conditions for providers and educators, a child care system that promotes racial and gender equity, and an expanded child care tax credit. They are temporarily closing their programs, rallying in state capitals, and gathering in parks together.

It has been over six months since federal child care stabilization funding expired, and less than six months away from billions more expiring, which will devastate the child care system. The lack of federal investment is deeply felt by parents and providers every single day. Urge Congress to act now in support of child care for all. [[link removed]]

-Shrija Shrestha, Campaign Associate
--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Whitney Pesek
Date: January 19, 2024 1:01 PM
Subject: Tell Congress: make children and early educators a priority this year.
Fighting for gender justice in the courts, in public policy, and in our society.
Justice for her. Justice for all.
[link removed] [[link removed]]
Dear John,
New year, same child care problems. This year begins much like the last one: millions of children and thousands of early educators are still waiting for Congress to act to support child care.
Tell Congress: Solve Child Care Now! [[link removed]]
Make sure children and families are a top priority for lawmakers this year.
TAKE ACTION [[link removed]]
Federal funding that helped stabilize the child care sector expired back in September. Despite President Biden—and many of you—calling on Congress to pass $16 billion in emergency funding for child care, women and families are still left waiting for this vital financial support. This funding could significantly address the ongoing child care crisis, offering a beacon of hope to families, children, and early educators.
As we embark on the new year, our commitment is clear: urge Congress to swiftly pass $16 billion in emergency child care funding [[link removed]] . This is crucial to stabilize child care for families and support early educators. Let’s act before families grapple with even higher costs, and more child care programs permanently close their doors.
For justice in 2024,
Whitney Pesek
she/her/hers
Director of Federal Child Care Policy
National Women's Law Center
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