The May 17 primary election is just around the corner. Soon we’ll see an endless cycle of TV ads, mailers, and more. It can be tempting to just tune out the noise, but it’s more important than ever that we turnout to vote for child care and for our kids.
The voter registration deadline is fast approaching. Check your voter registration NOW and make sure you’re ready for the primary. Then reach out to five friends make sure they’re registered to vote, too!
It’s true we’ve made some progress, but we still have a lot of work to do. Since 2015, state funding for child care programs has been cut by $42 million. This has had major impacts on our state assistance programs. For instance, despite over 41% of children in Pennsylvania living in a low-income home, only 2% of eligible students have access to at-home visits. While federal assistance has grown, it’s clear that we still need more support from our state government.
As a Child Care Voter, your voice is critically important and can make all the difference. Make sure you check your voter registration, and then talk to five friends or family members and make sure they’re registered to vote.
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Our lawmakers need to rise to the challenge and invest in child care funding. And the best way we can send that message is at the ballot box.
Kyle McMillen, M.A., M.A. (he/him/his)
Early Childhood Education Civic Engagement Coordinator
Children First (formally PCCY)
