I hope you’ve had a good summer. Congress doesn’t meet during August, so I get to spend more time in NW Oregon. I’ve appreciated getting to know the people around the district who are working to address some of our region’s most pressing issues, including a lack of affordable housing, the climate crisis, workforce needs, behavioral health, and the cost of higher education. Oregon is grappling with many of the same challenges as other communities across the country.
One problem that comes up frequently is the lack of affordable child care. It’s often too expensive or unavailable for families, forcing parents—often women—to quit their jobs. The funding we passed through the American Rescue Plan helped shore up child care providers and close some of the gaps in access, but that progress is threatened by the expiration of funds at the end of September. More than three million children could lose access to child care if Congress doesn’t act. That’s unacceptable.
I’m continuing to work with my colleagues and the White House on potential next steps, and will do everything I can do get this critical funding for child care extended. |