MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers called a special session of the Wisconsin State Legislature to fund Wisconsin’s Child Care Counts program, among other workforce and family-supporting initiatives. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“Wisconsin child care providers are the workforce behind Wisconsin’s workforce. We must lift up this vital industry to ensure that working families have access to quality, affordable child care. With more than 3,100 providers, parents, business owners, and community leaders signing the #SaveChildCareCounts petition earlier this year, there is no doubt that the child care industry has widespread support from a coalition of diverse individuals across the state.
“I urge the Wisconsin State Legislature to answer the call made by Governor Evers and echoed by concerned Wisconsinites throughout every corner of our state. We know that if the Child Care Counts program ends there will be catastrophic ramifications to the child care industry and working parents. If Republicans were serious about addressing our state’s labor shortage, they would ensure that every parent has access to quality affordable child care so that moms and dads can remain in the workforce.
“I am proud that our Governor continues to put working families and individuals first. The Governor’s call today includes other popular policies like paid family and medical leave (FMLA), funding for our universities and technical schools, and vital investments in the education and healthcare workforce. Each of these initiatives will improve the lives of people living here, attract and retain workers, and build economic prosperity within the State of Wisconsin.
“Democrats are working for the everyday people of our great state. I resoundingly support the Governor’s call and stand ready to debate and take action on these proposals during the Special Session – let’s hope my Republican colleagues will join me in putting Wisconsin families first.
