Madison – Child care providers, parents, and advocates from across Wisconsin gathered at the Capitol ahead of yesterday’s Assembly session, sounding the alarm on the urgent crisis facing early childhood education. Speakers from child care centers detailed the consequences of Republican lawmakers stripping critical child care funding from the Governor’s budget—teachers leaving jobs they love due to poverty-level wages, with some earning less than convenience store employees.
To underscore the gravity of the issue, some providers closed their centers for the day, risking their own livelihoods to make the trip to Madison and call on legislators to act.
“Republican lawmakers show a shameful disregard for children, parents, providers, and all the businesses that rely on a workforce with access to child care,” said Representative Angelina Cruz (D-Racine). “Investment in our children—whether through early childhood learning, public schools, or community centers—touches every part of our lives. So does our failure to invest.”
Still, amidst the disappointment, yesterday’s session offered a rare sign of progress. Several health-related bills passed with strong bipartisan support, including AB 43, which allows pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives.
“It’s no secret that a majority of Wisconsinites support reproductive freedom, including access to abortion,” Cruz noted. “It’s encouraging to see some recognition of that reality on the floor.”
But, she added, far more remains to be done.
“It remains to be seen whether GOP lawmakers will take the bold, necessary steps to address the urgent needs of our communities. Alongside my Democratic colleagues, I will continue fighting for a budget that ensures every person can meet their basic needs and pursue a life of dignity and opportunity. That means full funding for public education, access to health care, and the right to a voice in the workplace,” Cruz said.
“At the end of the day, I carry the voices of those child care providers with me. I will not stop pushing for a future where we invest more in educating our children than incarcerating them.”
