Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Education and Labor Committee unveiled the chairman’s proposal for the Build Back Better Act. Laura Dallas McSorley, senior director of Early Childhood Policy at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement on the plan’s early learning proposal:
For decades, a lack of public investment in early learning has caused child care costs in America to grow at twice the rate of inflation, pushing women out of the labor force; crushing families’ finances; and putting early learning opportunities out of reach for too many families, particularly families of color. The proposal unveiled by Chairman Robert C. Scott (D-VA) would meaningfully respond to the child care crisis—which costs the United States $57 billion per year in lost earnings, productivity, and revenue—by helping low- and middle-income families afford child care and expanding access to preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds. This historic investment would spur economic growth, make American businesses more globally competitive, and support future generations. It’s critical that lawmakers advance this proposal and ensure it is part of the final Build Back Better package.
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