Resources
Education & Workforce Development

Owens, Hinson Lead Bill to Expand Families’ Child Care Options, Build on Existing, Bipartisan Program

Dec 01, 2022
Education & Workforce Development
Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), Ranking Member of the Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Subcommittee, and Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) introduced The Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Reauthorization Act of 2022, legislation to renew a historically bipartisan program that has supported affordable child care options for hardworking American families since 1990. 

“The cost of child care is skyrocketing, and the sticker shock is a roadblock for parents across America as they work to earn a living, get an education, and make ends meet,” said Rep. Owens. “For the past 30 years, the bipartisan Child Care Development Block Grant has delivered flexible, affordable, and trusted child care options at low or no cost to millions of hardworking families. The work to improve educational opportunities and outcomes begins with ensuring that every parent has the ability to choose the child care option that meets the unique needs of their family, and I am proud to join Congresswoman Hinson to lead the program’s reauthorization.” 

“Access to affordable child care, especially for families in rural communities, is a top concern for Iowans,” said Rep. Hinson. “I’ve visited child care centers in our district with waiting lists of over 100 kids — parents shouldn’t have to choose between working and taking care of their children, but many are currently faced with that impossible and stressful decision. This legislation will help ensure families have access to child care so that they can more comfortably live, work, and raise a family in Iowa.” 

Background:

The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG) authorizes the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, which is administered by states, territories, and tribes and provides financial assistance for working families to access affordable child care so they can earn a living or attend school. States can also use CCDF dollars to invest in improving overall quality and supply of child care, and expand options so that parents can choose the programs that best meets their family’s needs.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

###

Recent Posts

Aug 28, 2024
Education & Workforce Development

Rep. Owens to Cardona: Stop Favoring Illegal Immigrants Over America’s Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) joined a group of Education and the Workforce Committee members in urging the Biden-Harris Department of Education to halt a proposed rule that would give illegal immigrants access to taxpayer-funded college preparatory programs referred to as the TRIO programs.  “The Department of Education’s TRIO expansion proposal is not […]

Aug 28, 2024
Congress

Owens Announces $255,000 DOJ Grant Award for Juab County Sheriff’s Office

WASHINGTON — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded a $255,000 grant to the Juab County Sheriff’s Office. This funding, secured as part of the FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending, will be utilized for critical police equipment and technology upgrades. “Ensuring that our law enforcement agencies have up to […]

Aug 27, 2024
Congress

Owens Announces DOT Grant for Utah’s Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness

WASHINGTON — Congressman Burgess Owens (UT-04) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded a $355,349 grant to the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office under the FY24 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant Program. This funding will support statewide efforts in Utah to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of local communities in […]