Madison, WI – Today, State Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) voted in favor of a package of bills aimed at expanding access to childcare in Wisconsin. The six bills within the package work to address Wisconsin’s childcare needs by updating outdated regulatory red tape and creating programs to help ease costs for parents and providers.
“We know that families are struggling to find affordable, quality care for their kids and that providers are struggling to fill positions and cover their own costs. The bills passed by the Assembly today bring our childcare regulations up-to-date and more in line with our neighboring states, which will ultimately expand access to care in Wisconsin,” said Rep. Steffen.
Among the regulatory updates, this legislation would expand options for types of childcare settings, would increase the pool of childcare workers, and would update childcare ratios to better reflect child development. In addition to these changes, the legislation would create an interest-free loan program for providers to update their facilities and would establish pre-tax childcare reimbursement accounts for parents.
“Finding the best care for your kids while you’re at work is a parent’s top priority, without exception. Likewise, the special folks who provide care for our kids need the proper resources and framework to provide top-notch care. Each of the bills that I proudly voted for today play an important role in addressing the critical issues facing our childcare sector today,” said Rep. Steffen.
The package of bills passed out of the Assembly and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
For more information please contact the office of Representative Steffen at (608)237-9104 or by email at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.gov.
