Child Care Crisis Looms as Pandemic Relief Funding Expires

The $24 billion in pandemic relief funding for child care in the United States has expired, leaving over 220,000 providers without financial support. The child care shortage already costs families $78 billion per year and businesses $23 billion per year. While politicians on both sides of the aisle agree on the need for affordable child care, there is disagreement on the best approach. Democrats propose committing $16 billion per year for the next five years, while the Chamber of Commerce favors tax credits. Without continued funding, the child care crisis is expected to worsen, leading to a continuing shortage of affordable services.