Rep. Mason Named Chair of House Childcare Accessibility and Early Childhood Education Committee, Leads the Fight for Affordable Access to Childcare and Quality Education

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, will prioritize safe, affordable early childhood education and day care as Chairperson of the House Childcare Accessibility and Early Childhood Education Committee.

“Affordable, consistent childcare and high quality early childhood education leads to better educational outcomes which, in turn, leads to a more stable adult life,” Mason said. “By creating more stable environments for kids to grow and learn while relieving the economic burden on parents, we can prevent a variety of potential long-term problems. Substance abuse, crime, joblessness, homelessness are all issues that can often be traced back to a difficult childhood. If we are successful in making quality childcare and education more accessible, we will provide some of that vital stability that can ensure future success.”

Mason was appointed as chair of this committee by Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch. The committee will focus on making pre-Kindergarten care accessible to all Illinoisans, regardless of their income.

“Giving our kids the opportunities that they deserve starts with high-quality childcare,” Mason said. “Early education and attention from committed caregivers prepares kids to thrive when they begin school. Just as importantly, working parents and guardians will be able to focus on their own employment and security without suffering the economic strain our current childcare system can often impose. The unavoidable truth is that quality childcare can be too costly for many Illinoisans today. That has to change.”