President Biden recently announced the details of his $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan, which would provide the next round of emergency relief to families and businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
The proposal includes $40 billion in dedicated relief for the child care industry. This support would help child care programs that had to close during the pandemic to reopen; assist open programs with rent, utilities and payroll, help early educators re-enter the workforce; and expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Alaska’s child care programs need support as they continue to grapple with additional costs, including recruiting and retaining the early childhood education workforce. In a recent thread survey, more than 50% of open programs are concerned about having to close. This additional federal support can help ensure Alaska’s child care programs are open for families on the other side of the pandemic.
Child Care Aware of America continues to advocate and work for this new stimulus bill on behalf of the child care industry, but needs your help! The American Rescue Plan has to pass through Congress. Please contact Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Dan Sullivan today and urge them to support this additional child care relief.