Chairman Neal Honors Nation's Child Care Workers

Statement

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement to mark Child Care Provider Appreciation Day:

"America's child care workforce plays an essential role in our economy and provides millions of parents with the ability to have jobs of their own. While offering a nurturing, safe environment for children to learn, grow, and play, providers allow workers in other industries to continue their professions after becoming parents. Today, we celebrate their compassion and strength, and we honor their vital contributions to our society.

"The last two years have been difficult for everyone, and child care workers faced particularly daunting challenges during the COVID crisis. Even before the pandemic, child care providers needed more support to stay afloat, meet demand, and pay their heroic workforce a living wage -- and the public health emergency only exacerbated that need. I'm proud that Ways and Means Democrats included the first permanent increase in child care funding since 2006 in the American Rescue Plan, and that we ensured the U.S. territories would also be eligible to receive those resources. I will continue to lead efforts in Congress to give child care providers the tools they need to carry out their invaluable work for our nation."

Source