Dear Friend,

The House and Senate have each been writing their own versions of "Build Back Better", a bill that would provide federal funding in several important areas; healthcare, education, housing, climate change, and childcare among others. The House has passed its bill. The Senate is trying to complete its version this month. 

An important issue has come up in the Senate concerning money for child care programs. Senate (and House) Democrats want to make child care available in areas of the country where it is scarce, and to make it more affordable everywhere. Many childcare programs are currently provided by faith-based organizations. Because childcare money goes through the parents to these faith-based providers instead of directly from the federal government, they are not subject to federal antidiscrimination regulations. The House bill changes that so these faith-based providers would not be able to discriminate against employees or families based on their religion or other protected characteristics. 

Senators are now debating whether to do the same thing in their bill. Please send this Action Alert to your Senators asking them to go along with the House position on this issue.

Taxpayer money should never be used to finance programs that can discriminate.