Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has joined forces with Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) to introduce new legislation aimed at increasing working families' access to quality, affordable child care. The proposed Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2024 seeks to enhance child care services, expand the supply of child care providers, and improve the program's overall support for families and providers.

"Hoosier families rely on affordable, quality, accessible child care and preschool options. Our bill would empower parents to decide what child care and preschool providers best suit the needs of their families and strengthen child care capacity," said Senator Young.

Senator Fischer emphasized the challenges faced by Nebraska families in accessing high-quality child care, particularly in rural areas. "Nebraska families deserve safe, reliable, and affordable child care. Unfortunately, high-quality child care is not always easy to come by, especially for those in rural areas. Our commonsense legislation will provide America’s working families with the options they need to prioritize their children," she stated.

Senator Collins highlighted the broader benefits of improved access to affordable child care. "Improving access to quality, affordable child care helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting small businesses and local economies. Child care alleviates stress on working parents because they know that their children are in a safe, structured environment where they can play and learn," she said.

Senator Grassley noted the longstanding bipartisan nature of the CCDBG program. "The CCDBG has worked as a bipartisan solution for decades, providing families with flexible child care options – including in rural areas. Our legislation will expand eligibility for CCDBG while keeping costs low for hardworking families. I’m proud to back this pro-family, pro-worker proposal," he remarked.

Supporting North Carolina's working families was a key point for Senator Tillis. "I am proud to support working families across North Carolina by co-sponsoring this bill that enhances parental choice, improves access to affordable care, and strengthens our child care infrastructure," he said.

Senator Ricketts underscored the critical need for increased access to quality child care nationwide. "Child care is a critical need for working families. Increasing their access to quality, affordable child care will help families and workers across the country. This common sense bill will strengthen child care services and bring more providers to rural areas in Nebraska," he commented.

The CCDBG Reauthorization Act of 2024 builds on over three decades of bipartisan efforts through the CCDBG program aimed at assisting working families with their childcare needs.

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