Child Care in the News: Babies, Budgets, and Broken Promises - What Congress Must Face in the Fight for Child Care

As Congress considers sweeping budget changes, families, children, and providers are caught in the crosshairs. From proposed Medicaid cuts that threaten early intervention to the ever-rising cost of child care, these stories highlight how policy decisions reverberate across the country—and what babies, parents, and providers urgently need from lawmakers.

Senate Reconciliation Bill Could Reshape Child and Family Funding

The Washington Post reports on the Senate’s fast-moving reconciliation package that could overhaul federal funding, including child care, education, and social supports. With a narrow majority, Senate leaders face major hurdles to pass the bill before summer recess.🔗 Read article

Medicaid Cuts Could Harm Early Intervention Services for Young Children

The 74 Million explains how Medicaid isn’t just health insurance—it’s a critical source of funding for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. Proposed cuts could eliminate access for the families who need it most.🔗 Read article

Child Care Costs Continue to Outpace Family Budgets

Axios lays out the financial squeeze on American families as child care costs remain sky-high. Despite modest policy proposals, many families are still paying more than their mortgage or rent just to access care.🔗 Read article

The Contradictions of Pronatalism and Child Care Austerity

The Guardian examines the paradox in current political rhetoric: calls for more American births while slashing funding for the care and support families need. Without real investment in paid leave, child care, and health care, experts say the policies fall flat.🔗 Read article

What Babies Need from Congress Right Now

In a compelling piece, The 74 Million outlines the urgent policy needs of the youngest Americans: stable child care, health care access, and safe learning environments. With so much at stake, the article urges lawmakers to prioritize early childhood in upcoming debates.🔗 Read article