05.29.19

Davis and Scott Statements on the Importance of Federal Investments in Child Care

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Ways and Means is Committee Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) released the following statements regarding a newly-released Government Accountability Office (GAO) report requested by the two Members that demonstrates how investments in quality child care through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) improve the availability and quality of child care across the board.

Rep. Davis:

“Working parents and grandparents get up every day and try to make a better life for their families, and they need access to high-quality, affordable child care. This report shows what an important role the Child Care and Development Fund plays in making that access possible, both for families receiving direct help and for those benefitting indirectly from the investments. The Ways and Means Committee heard the same thing from parents and grandparents in our recent legislative hearing, and is working to ensure that we provide more adequate, stable funding for CCDF so that families in states across the country continue to have reliable, quality care available for their children.”

Rep. Scott:

“The high cost of child care is a heavy burden that falls on children, families, and our economy as a whole.  Today’s GAO report is further evidence that with increased funding, states are able to improve the quality and cost of child care programs,” said Chairman Scott.  “While this report signals some progress, there is a still a long way to go to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, affordable child care.  That is why my colleagues and I introduced The Child Care for Working Families Act, a comprehensive proposal that would address the current early learning and child care crisis by ensuring that no families who earn under 150 percent of state median income would pay more than seven percent of their income on child care. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill and other legislation that helps workers support themselves and their families.”

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Press Contact

Ira Cohen: 202-805-1615 (Davis)

Emma Eatman: 202-226-0853 (Scott)