We are currently facing an affordability crisis where the average family spends about half as much as their housing costs on child care and infant care is more expensive than in-state college tuition. All families deserve high-quality affordable child care, but as prices continue to rise, child care expenses are placing a hefty financial burden on families who rely on these necessary services.
 
To put money back in the hands of Pennsylvania families, I plan to introduce legislation to create a new Child Care Affordability Program for those whose income exceeds the eligibility limits of the existing Child Care Works program. With affordable copayments based on income, eligible parents will save thousands of dollars on child care expenses each year. This program would serve over 300,000 children across the state.
 
The Child Care Affordability program would not only be an investment in our children’s future, but also our economic future. The U.S. loses an estimated $122 billion and Pennsylvania an estimated $6.65 billion every year due to lost earnings and productivity driven by the child care crisis. Affordable and high-quality child care therefore benefits families as well as businesses, and ultimately, each dollar invested in high-quality child care is estimated to have a $7 to $12 return.
 
It is time we take action to address the exorbitant costs of child care. Please join me in cosponsoring this important legislation to promote an affordable future where all Pennsylvanians can thrive.