New Investments in Child Care Crucial for Military Families

## Virginia Takes Bold Steps In **Child Care** Revolution

**New investments in child care** are set to **transform working families' lives** in Virginia. With only **750 child care slots** available on base, our **military families heavily depend on local communities** for additional support. The recent developments underscore a critical juncture in our **post-pandemic recovery**.

During a recent breakfast at an **early childhood center**, a mother recounted a **heart-wrenching tale** of economic struggle. *Forced to make online food deliveries with her baby in tow to make ends meet, she finally discovered high-quality child care, securing a better job in the health field. It was life-changing.*

As a representative in the **Virginia General Assembly** for part of **Newport News**, I witness daily the **pressing child care concerns among my constituents**. This issue resonates through local employers, military officials, and experts at the **Richmond Federal Reserve**, who collectively note that the **lack of child care** poses a significant barrier to full employment recovery.

Military officials have voiced their concerns, notably at a recent briefing on the **“Economics of Early Childhood in Hampton Roads”** held in Norfolk. The **Hampton Roads Military Federal Facilities Alliance** advocates for expanding child care options, pointing to Virginia's economy losing **$3.1 billion annually** due to child care shortcomings. Consequently, military leaders are urgently calling on lawmakers to address these needs creatively.

This year, **Democrats in the General Assembly** worked to increase the accessibility and affordability of child care. **Virginia's final budget** includes historic investments, earmarking **$456.7 million over the biennium** for **early childhood care** and **education**, particularly **boosting the Virginia Preschool Initiative** for kindergarten readiness.

To tackle child care challenges in Hampton Roads, military leaders have proposed **incentives for new child care businesses**, **public investments in availability-tracking software**, and **streamlined local permitting** for new centers. The Virginia legislature is also addressing issues like **zoning waivers** for new centers within office buildings and a **planning tool for forecasting future needs**.

A new law is set to simplify qualifying for the **Child Care Subsidy Program**, receiving **$265.5 million in next year’s budget** to aid 45,000 children. This move replaces pandemic-era federal funding, making Virginia a pioneer in utilizing state funds to avert the **“child care cliff”**.

It's evident—the **Virginia legislature** is determined to expand child care, facilitating career progress for working families and bolstering the Hampton Roads economy. *With families currently spending 26% of their income on child care, they require immediate support.*

**Child care** has now ascended the agenda, pivotal for family well-being, **overall economic prosperity**, **labor force participation**, and **military readiness**. Virginia legislators are advocating for substantial investments, as **affordable child care** is crucial for allowing parents to thrive and progress in their careers.