“The Legislature has an opportunity to give more parents a chance to go to work and more kids a chance to get the early learning experiences they need,” said David Feigen, Director of Early Learning Policy at Texans Care for Children. “Texans are counting on the Legislature to address the child care challenges facing parents, kids, employers, and child care providers. Lawmakers have signaled that expanding access to high-quality child care is a top priority, and we’re hopeful we’ll see significant investments made this session.” 

“With 981 quality Child Care Deserts throughout Texas, child care access is an issue for working parents and businesses in every corner of our state. Every State Senator and Representative has constituents who are struggling to find quality, affordable child care,” said Kim Kofron, Sr. Director of Education for Children at Risk. “Kids need child care to grow and learn, working parents need child care to work, and Texas businesses need child care to grow our economy. When we invest state dollars in child care, Texas is supporting children, parents, and businesses.” 

“Every Texan relies on child care, whether we have children or not,” said Cody Summerville, CEO of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. “We either need it for our own children or the children of people we rely on in our daily lives, like cashiers, nurses, and delivery drivers. Prioritizing child care in the 89th legislature is prioritizing every Texan.”

A wide variety of organizations from across the state signed the statement. For example, a number of business groups — such as the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Conroe / Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce, Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce — signed on. The statement was also signed by children’s advocacy groups, such as Texans Care for Children and Children at Risk, along with faith-based groups, associations of medical professionals, child care providers, community organizations, and others.