Mesa mom to lawmakers: Support Child Care Modernization Act

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What are your thoughts on making childcare in Arizona more affordable for working families? Tell us in 300 words or less at yourvalley.net/letters, or email your comments, name, address and contact number to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.

OPINION — As a Mesa mom, I recently attended a community listening session hosted by Stand for Children Arizona where parents shared the challenges of finding and affording childcare. I appreciated that U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and state Rep. Lorena Austin took the time to listen because these are conversations every elected official needs to hear.

Like many parents, I want to work, but childcare costs make that nearly impossible. A second paycheck would make a tremendous difference for my family. It would help us cover everyday expenses, provide more opportunities for my daughter and build a more secure future. Instead, too many parents are forced to choose between working and paying for childcare they simply cannot afford.

My daughter was fortunate to attend Head Start, and I have seen firsthand the difference a high-quality early-learning program can make. She entered school with a strong foundation. Every child deserves the same opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. That's why protecting and strengthening early-learning programs like Head Start is so important for Arizona families.

I was encouraged to hear Rep. Austin discuss the bills she has championed to expand access to affordable childcare and Rep. Stanton reaffirm his commitment to making childcare more affordable. I thank them both for listening and for their leadership.

Now it's time for action. I urge Arizona's congressional delegation to support the bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act to strengthen federal childcare investments. I also call on Arizona lawmakers to eliminate the childcare-subsidy waitlist and continue investing in solutions that make childcare more affordable for working families.

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