Mason Signs Nationwide Letter Demanding Federal Childcare Funding

GURNEE, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, 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.  

“The safety and education of our children is not something to be politicized,” said Mason. “While our families and children struggle to find affordable childcare, the federal government continues to push their self-centered agenda while falsely claiming they care about those in need. Removing funding and belittling social services and childcare programs are not the actions of a compassionate government.”

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.

Mason serves as chairman for the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education and has been integral to championing legislation supporting young families, children, and education access. Recently, she helped to 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 not care about our country’s youth or the hard-working parents and caretakers in need of childcare access, but I do. I know how expensive childcare is, and I also know how necessary it is for the success of my community, my state, and the country,” said Mason.

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