Cornhusker State News

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators, led by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), has introduced the Child Care Modernization Act, a bill aimed at reauthorizing and updating the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) for the first time in over a decade. The legislation is designed to improve access to affordable, quality child care for working families across the country.

The bill was introduced by Senators Fischer, Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Susan Collins (R-ME), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). According to reports, it seeks to strengthen and sustain CCDBG while addressing current challenges in child care availability and affordability.

Organizations from various sectors have expressed support for the legislation. 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, noted: "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.”

Other organizations echoed these sentiments. 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 University of Nebraska described the bill as addressing foundational challenges with common sense policies informed by those providing early education nationwide.

Jodi Grant from Afterschool Alliance highlighted afterschool programs’ role: “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 & 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... 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 economic impacts: “Executives Partnering to Invest in Children supports the Child Care Modernization Act because it strengthens our national workforce... giving working parents choice in how they select care for their children while they participate in the workforce.”

Erika Polmar from Independent Restaurant Coalition said: “Independent restaurants ... struggle to find affordable ... child care ... For small businesses with razor-thin margins ... The Child Care Modernization Act will give parents ... support they need ...”

Patrick Murray from KinderCare Learning Companies called modernization timely due rising family costs.

Bevin Parker-Cerkez from LISC pointed out facility funding as often overlooked but critical.

Dan Nissenbaum from Low Income Investment Fund supported infrastructure investment aspects.

Reshma Saujani from Moms First stated: “For decades ... 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 or funding daycare...”

Matthew Chase from NACo said counties administer CCDBG in eight states; he urged swift passage.

Jen Earle from National Association Women Business Owners noted importance for women-owned business economy resilience.

NCFN applauded facilities funding inclusion as crucial infrastructure investment.

Allison Dembeck from Save The Children stressed rural community benefits due limited choices there.

Cindy Lehnhoff with National Childcare Association endorsed another bipartisan solution effort.

Alessandra Lezama at TOOTRis tied improved access directly with workforce participation rates among parents.

Suzanne McCormick at YMCA cited positive impact on communities nationwide if passed into law.

Daniel Hains with NAEYC concluded endorsement citing needed investments into educator pay/quality supply chain improvements.