MADISON – Governor Tony Evers’ 2023-25 biennium budget proposal works to make child care more accessible and affordable. The Governor’s proposal includes $340 million to provide a permanent investment in the Child Care Counts: COVID-19 Stabilization Payment Program, which was created with federal dollars during the pandemic to support Wisconsin’s early care and education community. To date, the program has sent monthly payments to over 3,300 providers in Wisconsin to stay open, recruit and retain qualified staff, and provide care to over 113,000 children statewide.

Tuesday, Senator Agard (D-Madison) and Representative Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove) held a press conference highlighting the Governor’s proposed investment and released the following statements:

Senator Agard: “When we invest in our kids, we invest in Wisconsin’s future. I have heard from numerous child care providers, parents, and businesses, both in the 16^th Senate district and across our state, expressing the need for the continuation of the Child Care Counts program. We know that access to affordable, quality childcare is critical for the well-being of working families, and it is imperative that child care providers are supported and provided with the resources necessary to grow the future of Wisconsin.”

Representative Ratcliff: “Child Care Counts helps families and our workforce by strengthening child care in our state so that workers can raise their family here. Child Care Counts helps our child care facilities who are struggling to retain workers and keep their doors open while providing great care for our children. Child care is crucial for Wisconsinites to grow their families, grow our workforce, and sustain our local businesses. The bottom line? Child Care Counts and it is the right thing to do for our families, our kids, and our economy.”