Mussman Signs Nationwide Letter Demanding Federal Childcare Funding

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, joins over 200 lawmakers from all 50 states to sign a comprehensive letter organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and the Child Care for Every Family Network urging the federal government to restore childcare funding.  

“I stand proudly with my colleagues in the Illinois House and across the country in demanding the federal government to distribute the funds our families need and deserve,” said Mussman. 

In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states, including Illinois. Additionally, the federal government’s “Defend the Spend” policy targets social services and childcare programs by forcing agencies servicing these vital resources to provide excessive and unnecessary documents before receiving any kind of funding, causing nationwide delays.

Mussman has been integral to championing legislation supporting young families, children, and education access. Recently, she co-sponsored House Resolution 621, calling for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.

“We saw a new low when SNAP benefits were withheld in October as a political ploy, and unfortunately things are just getting worse for families who rely on assistance paying for anything from groceries to childcare,” said Mussman. “We need to return compassion and empathy to politics, and that starts with funding our basic needs.”

The collaborative letter can be read here and was entered into the record during yesterday’s Senate Judiciary Hearing.​