Hamilton comments on FSSA waitlist for child care, worries for status of Hoosier families

Today (Dec. 11), the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund voucher program, effective immediately. This waitlist will only affect new applicants since the FSSA has promised to prioritize funding for families already enrolled in the program. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement regarding the waitlist: 

“Today, the FSSA announced yet another waitlist that will take a tremendous toll on Hoosier families and our state’s economy. Thousands of parents desperately in need of affordable, high-quality child care will have their plans to work and support their families put on hold. Child care is vital infrastructure essential to a majority of Hoosier families, and it's critical to growing our state’s economy. According to a recent study by the Indiana Chamber, lack of access to affordable, high-quality child care is costing the state around $4.2 billion in lost economic activity every year.  

“The high cost of child care is becoming an insurmountable barrier to starting or growing families. I remember all too well that my ability to help support my family was contingent upon securing affordable, high-quality child care. Hoosier parents are yet another victim of the FSSA’s waitlist and the GOP’s budget cuts. 

“This waitlist is not pro-family; it’s not pro-children. It will hinder our economy. When will my colleagues across the aisle understand what so many other states have figured out: State support for affordable child care is critical to supporting an economy where all families have a chance to thrive.”