“The Final Rule the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued yesterday is a slap in the face to millions of working families across this country who are trying desperately to make ends meet, and give their children the best possible start, as costs skyrocket and our care crisis intensifies. 

“It was chilling when the President said in April that the federal government ‘can’t take care of day care… We’re fighting wars. We can’t take care of day care.’ But now the administration is actually undermining progress we’ve already made in making child care affordable for more families by ending the requirements that states cap family co-payments at 7% of family income; that direct services be provided through grants or contracts; that providers be paid in advance for their services; and that payment be based on enrollment. This new Rule is short-sighted, counterproductive, and terribly harmful. It will mean even fewer families can afford child care, even more programs will close their doors, and our economy struggles even more. It will hurt families, businesses that need to retain workers, and our economy.

 “America’s moms will continue to fight back by demanding that Congress adopt strong measures that make child care affordable for all families. Our country will be stronger and more successful when we solve, rather than exacerbate, our child care crisis.”