Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has introduced legislation aimed at increasing working families' access to quality, affordable child care. Joining him in this effort are Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). 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 to better support 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," stated Senator Young.

Senator Fischer emphasized the importance of safe, reliable, and affordable child care for Nebraska families, particularly those in rural areas. "Our commonsense legislation will provide America’s working families with the options they need to prioritize their children," she said.

Senator Collins highlighted the broader economic benefits of improved access to quality child care. "Improving access to quality, affordable child care helps promote financial stability for families while benefiting small businesses and local economies," she remarked. "This bill will help increase the availability of reliable care for children."

Senator Grassley pointed out that CCDBG has been a bipartisan solution for decades, providing flexible child care options including in rural areas. "Our legislation will expand eligibility for CCDBG while keeping costs low for hardworking families," he noted.

Expressing his support from North Carolina's perspective, Senator Tillis commented on enhancing parental choice and strengthening child care infrastructure through this reauthorization. "The CCDBG reauthorization is commonsense legislation channeling federal child care assistance through a program with a proven track record of success," he said.

Senator Ricketts underscored the critical need for quality, affordable child care across the country. "This common sense bill will strengthen child care services and bring more providers to rural areas in Nebraska," he stated.

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