Earlier today, the Senate confirmed President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, on a 51-50 vote with Vice-President Pence casting the deciding vote. This is the first time a sitting Vice-President has had to vote to confirm a cabinet nominee.

Last month, Betsy DeVos had a very contentious nomination hearing with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee which resulted in all Democrats, as well as Independent Senators Bernie Sanders (VT) and Angus King (ME), opposing her on the Senate floor. Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski (AK) and Susan Collins (ME) also joined the Democrats in opposing Mrs. DeVos.

As we embark on 2017, we look forward to a new year and how we can make an impact during the first 100 days of the new administration. On child and family programs and policy we remain committed to ensure the new Administration and Congress are aware of the policies and resources critical for positive outcomes; and, that within states and communities we engage influencers and implementers to advocate for policies in the best interest of children. Our Child Care Works movement is poised to continue the momentum around ensuring that quality, affordable child care remains a national priority for both the new administration and Congress, and upcoming events like the Child Care Aware of America® Policy Summit will position child care advocates to make their voices heard in the first 100 days.

Heart disease and strokes are the #1 killers of women in the United States Roughly every minute, another woman dies, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Although heart disease affects women of all races and ethnicities, rates are especially high for African-American women.

Here’s a little story to inspire you:

Late last week, Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Promoting Affordable Care for Everyone (PACE) Act of 2017. The goal of the PACE Act is to make these tax credits more generous for working and low-income families and reflect the rising cost of child care.

This legislation would update several Federal child care-related tax credits including the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

National Opposite Day is observed every year on January 25. Many enjoy using this day to try to confuse others by saying and doing the opposite of what they really mean. Why not use this day to help build your child’s brain? By the age of five, your child’s brain has reached 90 percent of its full size and their patterns for learning have been established. As a parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to play an important role in supporting development during this exciting time. Vroom helps parents by turning everyday moments into brain-building moments.

Spotlight

Yolanda Gilbert, Dolores’ House for Little People, Sheboygan, WI