Rep. Hamilton reacts to potential mass closure of child care facilities: “Child care is vital infrastructure”

Over the weekend, federal funding for child care that went into effect during the pandemic officially ran out. An estimated 1,000 child care facilities are projected to close in Indiana, which would leave nearly 50,000 Hoosier children without care according to the Century Foundation’s findings. 

“Child care in Indiana is already in a state of crisis,” State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D - Indianapolis) said. “A 2018 report estimated that Indiana loses $1.1 billion in economic activity and $118 million in lost tax revenue each year due to child care deficiencies. With the end of federal funding designed to prop up a system in crisis, the toll on our families, employers and communities will continue to grow.  

“Child care is vital infrastructure that deserves significant attention from the legislature. This latest blow to an already faltering system should be a catalyst to finally take action - via policies and investments - that will ensure that child care infrastructure is in place to support our families and employers in every corner of the state.”