DRC’s Education and Workforce Team Led Statewide Efforts Advocating for Childcare Industry

The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) recognizes that Texas’ economic recovery is contingent upon the ability of millions of Texans to return to work safely. For working parents throughout the state, particularly those with young children, such a return is only possible through reliable and affordable access to childcare.

Childcare providers play a critical role in enabling our state’s workforce and economy. Yet, the childcare industry, comprised of primarily women- and minority-owned small businesses, is facing severe financial instability in light of reduced enrollment, and new safety and sanitation requirements imposed by the COVID-19 crisis.

Without significant financial stimulus, the childcare industry is likely to experience widespread and permanent closures, threatening Texas’ immediate economic recovery and the long-term health of our workforce.

The DRC organized a robust group of chambers, businesses, and nonprofit groups across the state to join a letter urging the Texas Congressional Delegation to include dedicated stimulus funding for the childcare industry in the upcoming COVID-19 relief package.

We are pleased the U.S. House passed two bills which together would fund more than $60 billion to the childcare industry. The Child Care Is Essential Act creates a $50 billion fund to provide grants to help pay for personnel, sanitation, training, and other costs associated with reopening and running a childcare facility amid the pandemic. The Child Care for Economic Recovery Act provides funding to help childcare providers reopen and improve the safety of care facilities going forward.

View the letter and its signatories.