Rosen, Ernst tag team bipartisan childcare bill to expand access, affordability

Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, is taking proactive steps to address the ongoing childcare crisis that is impacting families across the country. The lack of affordability in childcare has put a strain on hardworking families, making it difficult for them to find quality care for their children while navigating rising costs.

In an effort to combat this issue, Sen. Rosen has introduced the Small Business Child Care Investment Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at making childcare more accessible and affordable. The bill would allow certain nonprofit institutions that provide childcare to have access to loans through the Small Business Administration, providing them with much-needed federal resources to expand their operations and offer more options to families.

Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa and chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, is co-sponsoring the bill with Sen. Rosen. Ernst recognizes the importance of affordable childcare in supporting small businesses and helping families in rural areas. By cutting through bureaucratic red tape and expanding options, this legislation aims to drive down costs and alleviate the pressure on hardworking families.

The Small Business Child Care Investment Act would enable nonprofit childcare providers to access loan programs such as 7(a) and 504, which can be used for expenses like real estate, construction, and remodeling. By creating local jobs and giving families more options, this bill seeks to support childcare providers in maintaining and expanding their operations.

Affordability and the impact of high inflation were major issues during the 2024 election, with President Donald Trump winning support from many voters in swing states like Nevada. Despite this, Sen. Rosen was able to secure re-election, demonstrating her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents and finding solutions to pressing issues like childcare affordability.

In conclusion, the Small Business Child Care Investment Act represents a significant step towards making childcare more accessible and affordable for families across the country. By providing nonprofit childcare providers with access to federal resources and loan programs, this bipartisan bill aims to support small businesses, create local jobs, and give families the peace of mind knowing that quality childcare options are within reach.