Estes offers bill to modernize financing for early child care, education

U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) introduced legislation that would help America’s families and communities navigate the challenges associated with financing early child care and education services that have led to overlap, gaps in services and wasteful spending.

“Raising children can be one of the most rewarding and challenging times in a person’s life and making sure kids have a solid start is a critical first step in helping them grow and develop,” Rep. Estes said. “Streamlining programs and effectively utilizing federal dollars for early childhood education benefits parents and taxpayers alike, ensuring improved access and choice for high-quality services.”

Rep. Estes on June 16 cosponsored the Modernizing Financing of Early Care and Education in America Act of 2021, H.R. 3943, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT) to establish a bipartisan commission that would make recommendations to Congress on streamlining and reducing duplication in financing of early care and education programs, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Estes’ office.

The commission would consist of 12 members appointed respectively by the U.S. Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, House Speaker, House Minority Leader, and chair and ranking members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, as well as chair and ranking members of the U.S. Senate Health, Education and Labor Committee and the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee, the summary says.

“We have a responsibility to establish high standards for quality early childhood education and care in America, with a focus on accelerating academic growth and supporting families,” said Rep. Owens. “The recommendations from this commission will be invaluable as we adopt affordable learning options, expanded parent choice, and a sustainable funding stream.”