MADISON, WI – Today, State Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) proudly joined other Senate and Assembly Democrats to circulate legislation that renews funding for the Child Care Stabilization fund. The program, which has been incredibly effective at helping child care centers keep their doors open, will expire at the end of June if the State Legislature does not take action.
“Allowing the Child Care Stabilization fund to expire will have catastrophic consequences not just for the providers and the children and families they serve, but for every single industry in Wisconsin,” said Senator Dassler-Alfheim. “Child care is the infrastructure of our economy, it’s the industry upon which all other industries rely on. As is, we know that the lack of child care costs the state at least $1.1 billion annually in lost economic productivity, earnings, and revenue as parents or grandparents are forced to leave the workforce to care for children,” she said.
Since its inception in 2021, the Child Care Stabilization fund has invested $17.9 million dollars in Senate District 18, helping 64 providers attract and retain staff, maintain and improve quality through regular staff training, and budget for increases in rent and utilities. Without it, providers would have had to layoff staff, which would have further limited access and available slots, or significantly raise tuition rates, adding thousands to the budgets of working families.
“We know just how beneficial quality child care is. Renewing the Child Care Stabilization fund will pay for itself in the long run, and it’s an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing the current child care crisis,” said the Senator.
Funding for the Child Care Stabilization fund was included in the Governor’s 2025-27 state budget, but was removed from consideration by a motion proposed by the Republican members of the Joint Finance Committee during their first Executive Session. The motion was passed 10-3 on party lines, and removed from consideration funding as proposed by the Governor (Item #14, page 99) along with an additional 611 items.
“I’m hopeful for a bipartisan solution to come together as part of the budget process so that Wisconsin can sustain its child care industry. Introducing this legislation allows for the continued conversation on a vital asset for everyone in our state,” concluded the Senator.
