Washington, DC – This week, Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06) voted to pass H.R. 7027, the Child Care is Essential Act, to create a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund so that providers across Georgia and the nation have the resources they need. Without adequate support, Georgia could lose more than 130,000 licensed child care slots, approximately 39% of the child care supply. The more than $2 billion that providers would receive from the Child Care is Essential Act would help child care providers stay open, keep employees on payroll, and safely operate under new guidelines.

“The child care industry has suffered tremendous losses and challenges during this pandemic. Countless families rely on child care providers to keep their families safe as they help grow their small businesses and work hard. Parents must have a safe place to send their children,” said McBath. “This industry sets the foundation of our future, and it needs help. With this investment, our nation can take a step toward safely reopening and rebuilding our economy with the funding and resources child care providers need so they can continue to safeguard the children of this nation. I was proud to vote in favor and see it pass the House.” 

Rep. McBath spoke on the House floor in support of the bill:

Countless families rely on child care as they work hard & grow their small businesses. This industry sets the foundation of our future & it needs help.

I was proud to vote for legislation to support child care providers & continue safeguarding the children of this nation. pic.twitter.com/BkV678JaUh

— Rep. Lucy McBath (@RepLucyMcBath) July 31, 2020

The Child Care is Essential Act includes:

• Stabilization grants for personnel costs, sanitation and cleaning, training and other goods and services needed to maintain or resume operation of the child care program. 

• Support for child care workers. This bill requires employers to keep child care workers on payroll at the same compensation level as pre-COVID as a condition of receiving stabilization grant funds. 

• Support for working families by requiring providers to relieve families of copayments or tuition. 

• Promotion of health and safety through compliance with public health guidance. Under this legislation, open providers would be required to meet health and safety guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local authorities.