Vermont Business Magazine The following is a statement from Aly Richards, CEO of Let’s Grow Kids, in response to the news today that House and Senate leaders are at an impasse on the funding source for the 2023 child care bill, S.56, An act relating to child care and early childhood education:
“A supermajority of lawmakers agree that child care is a top priority for this year. And for good reason. Our child care system is in full blown crisis. Over 100 programs could close in the next year if we do not act. We have a bill in the legislature right now that makes significant progress towards addressing the child care crisis. Lawmakers have done great work to get to this point and we thank them for that. Now, we need leaders to put differences aside and agree to a funding source, and fast. We are running out of time this session and our parents, businesses, early childhood educators, and our state’s economy literally cannot afford for lawmakers to fail now. It is simply not an acceptable outcome.
“We know this kind of back-and-forth is typical in the final days of session, but this bill needs to move forward now with agreement from both chambers, as the viability of our state hangs in the balance.
“Tens of thousands of Vermonters from every corner of the state and every political affiliation have united together to demand action on child care this year and we expect to see a child care bill with a funding source that can be supported by both chambers and that is responsible, fair and sustainable.
“We will continue to support both the House and Senate, as session draws to an end, to do whatever it takes to get this historic child care bill over the finish line and onto the Governor’s desk.”
Vermont Public: 'Impasse' between Vt. House and Senate lawmakers puts major child care bill in jeopardy
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the session by Saturday.
