MADION — State Rep. Ann Roe, of Janesville, joined other Legislative Democrats last week in introducing a package of bills focused on childcare in Wisconsin.
The six-bill package addresses “issues directly impacting families, children, employers, childcare providers, and communities by making childcare more affordable and accessible,” according to a release.
State Rep. Ann Roe
“Currently, 94% of Wisconsin families spend more than the recommended 7% of their income on childcare, with many paying up to 18% of household incomen — and in some cases more than $32,000 per year — just to cover care for their children,” the release said.
The focus of each bill includes:
LRB 4132: Providing childcare support for the “Missing Middle”
LRB 4133: Capping the cost of care for families
LRB 4269: Expanding childcare assistance for early educators
LRB 4881: Strengthening and growing the childcare workforceLRB 4880: Improving access to tribal childcare
LRB 4878: Ensuring all caregivers are included and supported
Roe authored the legislation to ensure early childhood educators can access Wisconsin Shares childcare assistance for their own children—regardless of income.
“This is a multifaceted problem that includes a shortage of providers, putting our youngest at a disadvantage,” Roe said in the release.
Additionally, an estimated 70% of rural Wisconsin is considered a childcare desert, meaning families lack reasonable access to care near where they live or work, the release said.
“As a college teacher, I could see the difference between students who had access to quality early childhood education and those who did not,” Roe said in the release. “Every child deserves a strong start, and we cannot continue to treat tribal communities or rural families as an afterthought.”
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