Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) has highlighted her bipartisan Child Care Modernization Act in an op-ed published by the Lincoln Journal Star, outlining the need for improved and affordable child care solutions in Nebraska and across the country.

Fischer noted that during recent visits to facilities such as the Ainsworth Child Development Center and meetings with organizations like the Northwest Community Action Partnership, she heard firsthand from Nebraskans about challenges facing parents and providers. She also referenced her role in securing $2 million in federal funding for the Knowledge Network for Early Childhood Education Workforce project at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, aimed at supporting rural early childhood educators, as well as celebrating new child care facilities such as the Bansal Family Home for Head Start in Lincoln.

Fischer emphasized that reliable child care is essential not only for families but also for workforce stability and community growth. She pointed out that "when parents have reliable care, families thrive, employers have a steady workforce, and communities grow stronger." According to Fischer, more than 40% of American families cannot access affordable child care, and in Nebraska, costs can take up over 10% of a family’s income.

Child care providers are also facing difficulties. Fischer stated that "child care workers in Nebraska earn about $29,000 a year — far below the state’s average salary of $63,800," resulting in many providers operating on thin margins. She argued that while families cannot afford higher fees, providers struggle to remain viable under current conditions.

The proposed Child Care Modernization Act seeks to update the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which has been central to federal child care assistance for more than three decades but has not seen significant updates in over ten years. The bill aims to:

First, strengthen child care services by moving states toward cost estimation models so reimbursement rates better reflect actual expenses including staff pay and compliance costs.

Second, increase supply through new grants within CCDBG that would help open or expand facilities—particularly important in rural “child care deserts.”

Third, improve state plans by promoting parental choice and flexibility so funding can support various types of programs suited to local needs.

The bill would also provide greater support to in-home providers—who account for nearly 40% of rural child care—by offering technical assistance with regulations and shared services.

For many Nebraska families receiving subsidies through CCDBG, monthly out-of-pocket costs range from $61 to $73. Without these subsidies, center-based infant care can cost an average of $900 per month in Adams County and more than $1,100 per month in Lancaster County.

Fischer concluded: "The status quo is failing. Parents are stressed. Providers are stretched. Nebraska’s workforce is held back when parents who want to pursue their careers are forced to stay home because child care is too expensive or unavailable."

She added: "This isn’t a partisan issue. Child care affects Democrats and Republicans, urban and rural families alike. For Nebraska communities, the Child Care Modernization Act represents hope that parents can keep working, providers can keep their doors open, and children can get the quality care they deserve."