Senators Katie Britt and Tim Kaine published a column on the childcare crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 12, 2024- Fox News published a column written by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) arguing if favor of their bipartisan childcare legislation. They argue that their proposal offers serious solutions to the childcare crisis in America, which is harming Alabamians and Virginians.

In the op-ed, the Senators outline their bills to make childcare more affordable and accessible by bolstering existing tax credits and creating a pilot program to build childcare supply.

"The national average price of childcare was $11,582 in 2023," Britt and Caine wrote. "In both of our states – Virginia and Alabama – childcare costs for two young children are more than what the average family spends on housing. This is, unfortunately, the norm across the country. Exacerbating accessibility and affordability hurdles for families is the fact that 100,000 childcare workers left the profession during the pandemic."

"Our proposal is twofold," the Sens. continued. "The Child Care Workforce Act works to build supply. . . [and] the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act . . . Together, these measures would lower the cost of childcare for families, expand the choices parents have, encourage businesses to support childcare supply, and get more resources to childcare providers and to the childcare workforce."

"It is critical we find a path forward on actionable common ground solutions to make sure kids have safe, enriching places to learn and grow, childcare workers are supported, and parents can participate in the workforce," the Sens. added.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/we-have-bipartisan-solution-address-americas-child-care-crisis?intcmp=tw_fnc

Senators Britt and Kaine's legislation has received an outpouring of support from childcare advocates across the country.

Jon Barganier is the President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama.

"We know that childcare is an essential resource for working parents," said Barganier. "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, increased employee retention, and a greater abundance of skilled workers. We applaud Senator Britt for her vision and leadership to address this major challenge and we are excited about this legislative package which will complement the Alabama Childcare Tax Credit which the Alabama Legislature passed unanimously, and Governor Ivey signed into law earlier this year."

"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 childcare our children need," said Mark Dixon, president of A+ Education Partnership.

Helena Duncan is the President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama.

"Accessible and affordable childcare is a critical issue not only here in Alabama, but in communities across the country. BCA has worked diligently to address this challenge by implementing solutions statewide in the development and passage of the Working for Alabama package, which was signed into law this past legislative session. This package includes House Bill 358, the Childcare Tax Credit, that creates tax credits to incentivize employers to fund childcare options and incentivize childcare providers to expand access to care and quality of care. We are proud to support Senator Katie Britt in her efforts to address this problem at the federal level. Alabama thrives when our leaders come together to tackle the issues that matter most," said Helena Duncan, Business Council of Alabama president and CEO.

Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.