A bipartisan, bicameral bill sponsored on Feb. 11 by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) would establish and expand child care programs for parents who work nontraditional hours.
“Hoosier parents rely on affordable child care in order to work, advance their careers, and provide for their families,” Sen. Young said. “Currently, child care options are extremely limited for families, especially in rural Indiana communities.”
The senator introduced the After Hours Child Care Act, S. 3845, alongside four original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), to support expanding legitimate existing child care programs, or establishing new facilities to meet the needs of families working outside of the traditional work hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rep. Hinson sponsored the identical H.R. 7498 with five original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) in the U.S. House.
“I hear consistently from parents about the difficulties they face while trying to find quality, accessible child care that makes sense for their families. This is even harder for parents who don’t work traditional 9-5 hours, like emergency service operators, nurses, first responders, and those in the service industry,” Rep. Hinson said. “These roles are critical to the safety and prosperity of our communities, and we have to make it easier for hardworking Iowans to stay in the workforce while raising a family.”
If enacted, the bill also would support efforts to establish an on-site child care program at a workplace; ensure that federal funds supplement current efforts by requiring a 25-percent match; and require a report every two years on the bill’s effectiveness in improving child care availability, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s office.
“Our legislation will help address the needs of working parents, enabling them to more easily pursue employment opportunities that best fit the needs of their families,” added Sen. Young.
The bill is supported by the First Five Years Fund and the Bipartisan Policy Center Action.
“At a time when many families are struggling with high costs, we need to do more to help parents find and afford child care so that they can work and support their families, including when their jobs require early mornings, late nights, or weekend shifts,” said Sen. Hassan. “This common-sense, bipartisan bill will help families across New Hampshire and the country access affordable child care that works with their schedules.”