Twenty economists and early childhood experts from across the country gathered in Omaha, NE to discuss the challenges facing the child care field and examine how to use what we have learned to improve the child care system. 

August means “Recess” on Capitol Hill—a time when federal lawmakers return to their districts and reconnect with their constituents. However, recess is not a vacation for them or for us. The weeks that members of Congress are away from their offices in Washington, D.C. give us an opportunity to remind them about the importance of child care.  

The strength of our communities, workforce, and economy relies on parents having access to affordable, high-quality child care. Integrating child care into community and economic development plans not only aids local efforts to increase access for the workforce but also underscores the essential role child care plays in the overall well-being and economic vitality of a community. 

On May 30th, the Trump Administration released their proposed FY26 Discretionary Budget Request, kicking off the FY26 appropriations process and suggesting significant shifts and cuts in federal spending priorities. The President’s budget request is only a set of recommendations to Congress as they ultimately make decisions about how to fund discretionary programs, however it does provide valuable insights into the administration's key priorities and aims to shape congressional decision-making. 

At the end of May, the House of Representatives voted (215–214) to pass their budget reconciliation bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). While Congress had the opportunity to make meaningful policy changes that would improve the lives of working families, young children, and the people that care for them every day, this bill does not deliver.  

Child care is essential infrastructure—families rely on it so they can work, children rely on it for stability and care, and entire communities depend on it to function day to day. During disasters, the child care system faces a unique set of challenges that can disrupt care quickly and make recovery difficult without strong support.