Rep. Nancy Mace warns of “staggering” challenges Congress faces as U.S. heads toward “child care cliff”

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace Warns of Impending “Child Care Cliff” as Federal Funding Nears Expiration

Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has highlighted the significant challenge that Congress faces in finding a solution to the high cost of child care, as pandemic-era federal funding is set to expire within weeks. This situation, referred to as the “child care cliff,” has raised concerns about the potential closure of 70,000 child care programs and the loss of child care spots for over 3 million children, according to The Century Foundation, a progressive think tank. The impact on millions of parents could also weaken the labor market if they are forced out of the workforce.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Care

• SDG 1: No Poverty – Affordable child care options can help alleviate poverty by enabling parents to work and earn income.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Access to affordable child care can support early childhood education and development.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Child care affordability can empower women to participate equally in the workforce.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Child care availability and affordability contribute to a strong labor market.

The Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus

Rep. Mace, along with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, recently launched the Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus to address the high cost of child care.

Potential Solutions

1. Rolling back smaller regulations that hinder the child care industry, such as requirements for a four-year college degree or lack of reciprocity between states for certification.
2. Providing more training, flexibility, and higher pay for child care workers.
3. Implementing government policy support for child care.

Rep. Mace emphasizes the need to focus on smaller policy changes that can make a big difference, as comprehensive spending packages may face challenges in Congress. Rep. Khanna also highlights the importance of short-term solutions, such as continuing grants and funding through the child care stabilization act, as well as long-term solutions to reduce the cost of child care for families.

Conclusion

The impending expiration of federal funding for child care poses a significant threat to the availability and affordability of child care services. Addressing this issue is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, and decent work and economic growth. The Congressional Bipartisan Affordable Childcare Caucus aims to find solutions that can make child care more accessible and affordable for families across the United States.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
• Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure, and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family.
• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
• Indicator 5.4.1: Proportion of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work, by sex, age, and location.
• Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: cbsnews.com

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