As pandemic-era benefits expire, millions of Americans are facing the end of economic assistance programs they have relied on. This includes the resumption of federal student loan payments for those with some college education, the closure of child care programs supported by federal grants, potential Medicaid disenrollment for one in five enrollees, and the return of work requirements for food stamp eligibility. The expiration of these benefits is expected to have significant impacts on households, including increased debt, loss of child care options, and potential loss of healthcare coverage and food assistance.
A federal program that provided $24 billion in child care funding is set to expire, causing concern for parents and child care providers. The program, part of the American Rescue Plan, helped stabilize child care programs and reduce costs for families. Estimates suggest that 70,000 child care programs could close, impacting 3.2 million children. However, experts believe the impact may be less severe due to state investments in child care systems. Congressional Democrats have proposed a bill to provide $16 billion annually for child care providers, but it faces challenges. The expiration of funding could lead to higher costs for parents and difficulties in retaining child care workers. The impact on female workforce participation remains uncertain.
