http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/childcare-dropoff-s460.pngFive candidates toured Cuddle Care in Green Bay Monday to learn about issues impacting the child care industry, providers, and families needing quality, affordable care.

GREEN BAY, WI — Today,  State Senate candidates Jamie Wall (D-30th Senate District), Kris Alfheim (D-18th Senate District), Kelly Peterson (D-2nd Senate District), and Andi Rich (D-12th Senate District) toured Cuddle Care in Green Bay to learn more about issues impacting the child care industry, providers, and families needing quality, affordable care.  The Democratic candidates released the following statements regarding the child care crisis in Wisconsin:

Jamie Wall (30th Senate District): “As a small businessman who used to run Wisconsin’s economic development programs, I’ve seen how the shortage of affordable, quality child care hurts businesses. Ensuring a strong and robust child care industry is vital to maintaining a strong economy in Wisconsin.”

Kristin Aflheim (18th Senate District): “Put simply, without access to child care, families either rely on retired family members or choose to stay home with their children, exacerbating the state’s workforce shortage. Access to high-quality child care is essential to not only the well-being of our children but also the health of our economy right here in the Fox Valley.”

Kelly Peterson (2nd Senate District): “The child care crisis disproportionately affects women in the workforce. I am running for State Senate because Wisconsin needs comprehensive solutions that keep moms employed while also addressing the low wages for child care staff, shortage of child care centers, and increasing costs for families.”

Andi Rich (12th Senate District): “The Child Care Counts program has played an important role in keeping child care centers running, but its funding is set to expire next year. We need lawmakers in Madison who are willing to do the hard work to create and fund comprehensive solutions to the complex problems facing our constituencies. As our state sits on a record surplus, there is simply no good reason that the child care industry, our kids, and working families should be left behind.”