Jiménez Demands Trump Administration Unfreeze Childcare Program Funds

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, passed a resolution condemning the Trump administration’s childcare program funding freezes impacting millions of Illinoisans. This comes on the heels of recently participating in a rally demanding the continuation of childcare funds with SEIU (HCII) in downtown Chicago on Jan. 16. 

“Affordable childcare is a necessity, especially when costs are high and hardworking families are living paycheck to paycheck,” said Jiménez. “These funds need to be accessible so working families are not forced to choose between employment, housing, and caring for their children when facilities close. This administration is trying to stop our funding and harm our communities for their own political ends and they need to do better.”

Jiménez’s House Resolution 621 condemns the Trump administration for freezing childcare funds in Illinois and four other states and calls for an immediate release of all congressionally-appropriated funding. More than 150,000 children in Illinois and nearly 20% of families could be impacted should funding freezes remain in place, threatening a vital sector for working families and childcare providers. 

On Jan. 16, Jiménez participated in a rally in front of the Trump International Hotel & Tower in downtown Chicago with the Illinois Child Care for All Coalition, SEIU (HCII) to denounce the $1 billion federal funding freeze. 

Jiménez, a member of the Child Care Access and Early Childhood Committee, also passed House Bill 1312, which creates new protections and restrictions for daycare centers and families relying on these centers, by not disclosing immigrant status information with immigration agents without a signed judicial warrant. 

“As a working mother with a son in daycare, I’m fighting for legislation that supports families like mine. It takes a village to raise a child and these funds help our village thrive by ensuring parents can work while their children are safe and cared for. Our kids deserve quality care and parents should not endure the weaponization of choosing between paying for childcare or going to work. This has to end, and I will not stop fighting for accessible, safe, and affordable childcare services.” 

For more information visit Ilga.gov or for SEIU (HCII) rally visit https://seiuhcilin.org/2026/01/ccfreezef=b/.