Child care is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for working families. But right now, the cost of care can equal a second rent or mortgage payment. For some parents, especially mothers, the price tag forces them out of the workforce entirely, which hurts family income and the broader economy. When families can’t find affordable, high-quality care, children miss out on early learning opportunities, parents are stretched thin, and employers lose workers.

We need a national commitment to affordable child care, starting with investments that expand access, improve quality, and support the workforce that makes it possible. That means better pay and training for child care providers, subsidies that bring costs down for families, and expanded pre-K programs so every child starts school ready to learn. No parent should have to choose between their paycheck and their child’s well-being.