This week, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) took to the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to elevate the crisis our childcare industry faces. In a letter to President Biden, Rep. Houlahan advocated for the inclusion of “$100 billion” in the relief package to “to not only stabilize child care for families and early educators, but also lay the groundwork for moving toward universal child care and early learning.” Rep. Houlahan is urging her colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help pass a COVID relief package that includes adequate funding and support for the childcare industry. Below are her remarks from the House floor:

“A lot of people in this body are talking about jobs these days, and rightfully so. Our economy is in crisis,” said Houlahan.

“But I want to urge everyone that when we talk about rebuilding this economy, we talk about all of the issues that make for a successful economy. 

“And that includes childcare and attention to our children.

“Like many industries during this pandemic, childcare is struggling. Many facilities can’t pay the bills due to reduced demand in services and increased costs to keep safe facilities for both children and staff.

“Many of us on both sides of the aisle have rightfully celebrated the heroes of this pandemic – health care workers, frontline workers, and essential workers.

“These are the very people who are using childcare right now – they are the ones who can’t work from home, and therefore need an enriching and safe place for their children while they go to literally save lives and provide for the American people. 

“So I need every Member who has spoken so passionately about our heroes and about returning to normal to move beyond words and take meaningful votes on legislation that will ensure access to equitable, high quality childcare for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and after-school care across this country.”

Representative Houlahan will continue to push the Administration to include this vital funding in the COVID relief package. In a letter to President Biden, she and a group of colleagues wrote the following:

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee.

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