Article Summary –
Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has declared he will not sign a state budget that lacks funding for the Child Care Counts program, emphasizing its importance for both children and the state’s economy amidst rising costs and worker shortages in child care. The Child Care Counts program, established during the pandemic to support child care providers, is set to expire without further state funding, with final payments scheduled for July 7. Despite Republican resistance, there is significant public support for continuing state funding for child care, and some Republican lawmakers have expressed opposition to the current budget proposal, complicating its passage before the state’s fiscal cycle ends on July 1.
As child care providers and parents across Wisconsin warn of potential day care closures and increased costs without state support, Gov. Tony Evers insists he won’t approve a budget lacking child care funding.
During a June 23 visit to a child care center in Pewaukee, Evers confirmed the significance of child care funds in budget talks. Asked about signing a budget excluding the Child Care Counts program, launched during the pandemic to aid centers, Evers said no. Despite doubts from reporters about Republican cooperation, Evers stated, “I’m not sure about that.”
Evers emphasized, “It’s critical for people, especially Republicans, to realize its significance for Wisconsin. It will impact not just children but also our economy.”
Republican lawmakers, leading the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, have been creating their own budget after rejecting over 600 of Evers’ proposals. Evers mentioned stalled discussions on June 4 due to GOP resistance to his ideas, which included funding for child care, K-12 schools, and the University of Wisconsin System.
Child care advocates commend Evers’ firm stance as they push for funds amid increasing expenses, high tuition, and worker shortages, while parents grapple with child care affordability and access.
“Our persistent advocacy is making an impact,” said Corrine Hendrickson, New Glarus child care provider and co-founder of the Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed group (WECAN).
WECAN, with nearly 2,000 supporters, has been organizing community dialogues, attending local events, and educating Wisconsinites about the child care financial crisis, highlighting that raising parent fees isn’t a solution.
The Child Care Counts program, initially funded federally and launched in 2021 amid pandemic challenges, aimed to counteract tuition hikes and care slot shortages. Evers allocated $170 million to extend it to June 2025, but state support is essential to avoid its imminent expiration. Final payments to providers are due July 7.
Since inception, over $639 million has been distributed to more than 5,000 providers. Centers state the program’s crucial role in their operations; many face closure or price hikes without continued state aid. An April survey from Evers’ office showed a quarter of child care centers might close. A June survey revealed 90% found high-quality child care costly, with most favoring state funding.
Republican leaders face internal opposition, complicating budget passage. Senators Chris Kapenga and Steve Nass voiced opposition to the GOP budget.
Wisconsin’s biennial budget sets the financial agenda for two years. Though July 1 marks the fiscal cycle’s unofficial deadline, historically, it gets signed later. The Assembly and Senate must pass the budget before it reaches the governor, and in the Senate, Republicans can’t lose more than one vote, given their slim 18-15 majority.
If a new budget isn’t approved by July 1, the state will operate under the old budget, causing uncertainties for municipalities and school districts without clear future funding plans.
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