Hirschauer Signs Nationwide Letter Demanding Federal Childcare Funding

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-West Chicago, is one of over 200 lawmakers from all 50 states to sign a comprehensive letter organized by the State Innovation Exchange (SiX), the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), and the Child Care for Every Family Network urging the federal government to restore childcare funding.

“It’s simply unacceptable that families nationwide are now in a position where their child’s future is jeopardized by the federal government, who has inhumanely made it their mission to remove the most basic of support systems for children and their families—especially children who live with disability, chronic illness, or are facing traumatic conditions such as poverty—by no fault of their own,” said Hirschauer. “It’s terrifying to see the safety nets parents and children count on daily unravel right before our eyes.”

In January, the Trump administration announced its intention to cut childcare funding in five states, including Illinois. The funding freeze will affect over 100,000 Illinois families, more than 152,000 children, and 275 organizations statewide. Additionally, the federal government’s “Defend the Spend” policy is targeting social services and childcare programs by forcing agencies to provide excessive and unnecessary documents before receiving any kind of funding, causing nationwide delays.

Hirschauer serves as vice-chairman for the House Child Care Accessibility & Early Childhood Education and has been integral to passing progressive measures that protect and support young families, children, and education access. Recently, Hirschauer passed House Resolution 621, calling for the immediate release of the $10 billion in child care funds frozen across democratic-majority states, including over $1 billion to Illinois families and children facing poverty, chronic illness or disability.

“Child care costs remain the biggest bill for families across the state—no matter their income or situation. As a mother myself, I’ve seen firsthand how working parents pay more for day care than they do for health insurance—even housing in some cases. I’m proud to stand alongside over 200 lawmakers to call out this grotesque move that directly harms our nation’s children. They deserve to grow up in a country that supports them, not one that sweeps the most vulnerable of lives under the rug.”

The collaborative letter can be read here.

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