SE Nebraska News

A bipartisan bill to reauthorize and modernize the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) has received support from a range of organizations. The legislation, known as the Child Care Modernization Act, was introduced by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) along with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). This marks the first proposed reauthorization of CCDBG in over ten years.

The bill aims to improve access to affordable and quality child care for working families across the United States. According to NBC, which first reported on the legislation, it is designed to address ongoing challenges faced by families in securing reliable child care.

Several organizations have expressed their support for the measure. Sarah Rittling, Executive Director of First Five Years Fund, said, “Access to affordable, reliable child care is one of the biggest challenges facing working families. The Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) is a vital part of facing that challenge head on. We’re grateful to Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Susan Collins (R-ME) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Child Care Modernization Act of 2025. This legislation offers an important opportunity to strengthen and sustain CCDBG while also addressing child care needs in real time. This will help serve more families both now and in the future.”

Susan Gale Perry, CEO of Child Care Aware of America, highlighted rising costs: "Child Care Aware of America is pleased to support the Child Care Modernization Act and thanks Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for their leadership updating the Child Care and Development Block Grant, the primary federal program that helps working families afford child care. With the national annual price of child care at an average of $13,128, we know that child care is out of reach for many families across the country. The Child Care Modernization Act recognizes that we must do more to make child care more affordable and more available, and alongside strong investments in our child care system it would move us forward towards that goal.”

Michele Stockwell, President of Bipartisan Policy Center Action, stated: “BPC Action is proud to endorse the Child Care Modernization Act, which reauthorizes and modernizes the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). CCDBG has long been a bipartisan program that delivers for families, and this legislation strengthens that legacy by helping parents better access affordable, high-quality care while supporting the workforce that provides it. Child care is essential economic infrastructure for working families, and we commend Sens. Fischer (R-NE), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Collins (R-ME) for their bipartisan leadership in advancing solutions that strengthen children, families, and the economy.”

The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska noted: “This bipartisan bill comprehensively addresses foundational challenges in child care, with common sense policies and solutions that are informed by the real-world experiences of those who provide early care and education throughout the United States.”

Jodi Grant from Afterschool Alliance added: “School-aged care provided in afterschool programs is a lifeline for working families. 8 in 10 parents report that afterschool programs give them peace of mind and help them keep their jobs. This bipartisan legislation will help increase access to affordable, high quality afterschool and summer programs at a time when programs are out of reach for too many parents.”

Radha Mohan from Early Care and Education Consortium said: “The Early Care and Education Consortium (ECEC) commends Senators Fischer and Gillibrand for the bipartisan introduction of this vital legislation to modernize and reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). CCDBG reauthorization is long overdue... ECEC appreciates Senators Fischer and Gillibrand’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that American families can go to work knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Nicole M. Riehl from Executives Partnering to Invest in Children emphasized workforce benefits: “Executives Partnering to Invest in Children supports the Child Care Modernization Act because it strengthens our national workforce... This bill takes important steps to provide additional flexibility to states as they seek to address critical child care supply challenges...”

Erika Polmar from Independent Restaurant Coalition pointed out economic implications: “Independent restaurants ... struggle to find ... reliable child care ... For small businesses with razor-thin margins ... this isn’t just a family issue ... The Child Care Modernization Act will give parents ... support they need ... We are grateful ... for leading this bipartisan effort...”

Patrick Murray from KinderCare Learning Companies commented: “KinderCare proudly supports ... As cost continues to rise ... modernizing ... is both timely & essential...”

Bevin Parker-Cerkez from LISC highlighted facilities issues: "Facilities are an essential program feature often omitted from discussions about increasing access... This bill will make it possible..."

Dan Nissenbaum from Low Income Investment Fund added: “The Low Income Investment Fund applauds Senators Gillibrand... By recognizing critical importance of federal investment... this legislation will help modernize infrastructure…”

Reshma Saujani from Moms First said: “For decades America has treated child care like a personal problem instead of what it really is — an economic imperative… No parent should have to choose between feeding their babies & funding daycare…”

Matthew Chase from NACo noted counties’ roles: "Counties are essential partners... responsible for administering CCDBG in eight states..."

Jen Earle from National Association of Women Business Owners commented on business impacts: "...we must also recognize child care as a critical business support..."

NCFN’s Executive Committee stated its support due infrastructure funding.

Allison Dembeck from Save The Children mentioned rural needs: “…This legislation is especially important for rural communities…”

Cindy Lehnhoff from National Child Care Association said she was pleased another bipartisan bill had been introduced.

Alessandra Lezama from TOOTRis focused on broader impacts beyond facilities.

Suzanne McCormick from YMCA spoke about enhancements benefiting providers & communities.

Daniel Hains from NAEYC concluded by noting potential improvements if sufficiently funded.

The broad endorsement reflects widespread concern over rising costs—averaging $13,128 annually—and limited availability nationwide.