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YMCA of the USA Applauds Congress for Reauthorizing the Child Care and Development Block Grant

Statement from Neal Denton, SVP and Chief Government Affairs Officer


WASHINGTON – WEBWIRE

YMCA of the USA applauds Congress for passing final legislation to reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a program that provides federal funds to states to support child care subsidies for economically-disadvantaged families.

This is an important day for families who struggle to find affordable, quality child care for their children. Reauthorization of CCDBG means that families will be able to take comfort knowing that their children will be in safe, healthy environments and receiving quality care that nurtures their development and growth.

We would especially like to thank Representatives John Kline (R-Minn.), George Miller (D-Calif.), Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) and David Loebsack (D-Iowa), and Senators Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.), and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) for their efforts to reach agreement and ensure passage of CCDBG.

This is the first time in 18 years that both the Senate and House passed bipartisan bills to renew this vital legislation. The U.S. Senate first passed the bill in March of 2014, with the U.S. House of Representatives following suit in September. Yesterday’s action marks the Senate’s approval of the House-passed bill. This legislation will now make its way to the President for signature.

The CCDBG Act of 2014 will improve the health and safety of children in child care, improve the quality of child care, increase access to child care assistance, and improve stability for children in child care. As a leading provider of quality early childhood, afterschool, and summer programs, the Y knows how critical this funding is to families and their children.

While this legislation represents great progress, it is important that Congress and the states provide adequate funding so providers can act on  the improvements contained in the law. We look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and our coalition partners to ensure successful implementation at the state and local level.

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