Blair-Sherlock Signs Nationwide Letter Demanding Federal Childcare Funding

VILLA PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, is one of 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.  

“This administration continues to cut funding and withdraw support for vital resources like childcare across the country, while falsely claiming to care about young families and children,” said Blair-Sherlock. “Actions speak louder than words. And in this first year, Trump has taken no action to actually help the people who need it most.”

In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. 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.

Blair-Sherlock has been integral to championing legislation supporting young families, children, and education access. Recently, she helped pass 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.

“The Trump administration may say whatever they want to defend these decisions, but we know the truth: This is a politicized attack that will hurt our children, hurt our constituents, and hurt our economy,” said Blair-Sherlock.

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