MADISON – Today, legislative Republicans introduced a series of bills aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s child care crisis. Needless to say the package fell short. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D- Madison) released the following statement:

“The proposals put forth today are completely insufficient in addressing Wisconsin’s child care crisis. At a time when our state finds itself with a record surplus, legislative Republicans have chosen to invest $0 to ease the cost of providing or accessing child care. It is disappointing that Wisconsin Republicans continue to ignore the will of the people who have been calling for a solution to the significant issues facing the child care industry.

"Make no mistake, the child care crisis is impacting red and blue areas alike and Republicans are suggesting that we weaken safety regulations and increase class sizes – their “solution” will only create more problems.

“The writing is on the wall. We know that in absence of Child Care Counts funding, providers will close, increase tuition fees, or terminate workers. We must take up Governor Evers’ special session call to invest in the critical Child Care Counts and Partner Up! programs. It is what providers and families from throughout Wisconsin have spent months pleading for.”