FY25 Appropriations: What’s at Stake for Child Care and Early Learning

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee recently took an important step toward addressing the ongoing child care crisis by approving its FY25 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill. This move, which includes increased funding for child care and early learning, has been met with applause from many child advocacy groups. You can read more about the Senate’s efforts in the National Women’s Law Center's article: NWLC Applauds Senate Appropriators’ Bipartisan Vote to Increase Child Care & Early Learning Funding for FY2025.

Sustained annual increases in federal investments in early childhood education (ECE) are vital to overcoming the child care crisis. These investments are not just about supporting families; they have far-reaching impacts on businesses and the broader economy.

In contrast, the House Appropriations Committee has proposed a very different plan for FY25. Their partisan proposal includes a cut of $24.6 billion, or 11%, below the fiscal year 2024 funding level. Such drastic reductions would severely impact the already strained child care system. For more details, check out the summary provided by the House Appropriations Committee: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Summary.

As a reminder, FY25 funding bills will likely not be finalized until after the November election. This means now is the time to remind Congress of the importance of investing in ECE programs.

Your Call to Action: Please urge your Members of Congress to prioritize maintaining the Senate's funding increases as they negotiate annual spending bills. Addressing our country's child care crisis has never been more urgent.

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