MADISON, WIS. – Nearly 2,500 families are calling on the Wisconsin State Legislature to make a significant investment in the state’s child care sector in the 2025-27 budget.
The 2,485 people signed a petition calling for an investment of state revenue to help keep child care programs open and rates reasonable for working families. It represents another major child care advocacy milestone during this year’s state budget process, which also included a record-setting Child Care Advocacy Day and thousands of letters sent to elected officials.
“As a working parent, I know firsthand how crushing child care costs can be – and that’s with two stable jobs,” said Taylor Vande Vyver, a working parent from Kimberly who helps lead child care advocacy efforts on behalf of families. “These thousands of signatures represent thousands of similar stories. It’s clear: families in Wisconsin need relief, and we need it now. Investing in child care isn’t just a budget line – it’s a lifeline.”
A recent University of Wisconsin study shows 25 percent of child care programs are likely to close and significant rate increases for families are expected when federal relief funding for child care ends on June 30. What’s more, public opinion on child care is clear: 90 percent of Wisconsin adults – those who have kids along with those who don’t – know child care challenges are prevalent and support state investment.
“This petition is another powerful signal – in a long, long line of clear, widespread public opinion – that child care in Wisconsin needs and deserves an investment,” Schmidt said. “Advocates, including parents, providers, employers, and community leaders, have made their voices heard loud and clear. It’s time the Legislature responds with action that matches their call.”
