MADISON — Child care providers, educators, parents, and community members from across the state will remain at the state Capitol today as they continue the “State Without Child Care” rally to demand the restoration of  the $480 million in funding for wages in the 2025-27 biennial state budget.

“While we would prefer to be open and serving the children and families in our communities, the reality is that if this funding is not included in the state budget, many of us will have to close our doors,” said Corrine Hendrickson, co-founder of Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed (WECAN).

The funding request mirrors Governor Tony Evers’ budget proposal of $480 million that would maintain wages for providers at $13 per hour. Last Thursday the Republican-controlled Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) voted to remove the proposal, without justification, by a vote of 10-3 along party lines.

Wisconsin is one of six states that does not invest in early childhood education. During the pandemic, the Badger State received federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to stabilize the industry, yet this funding runs out at the end of June.

Child care providers will continue to meet with elected officials to demand funding for wages be reinstated in the budget. Child care providers are also hosting additional rallies and events across the state. 

Theresa Fredericks, the executive director of Treetop Child Development Center and Preschool in Ashland, is hosted an event at 10am CT on May 14. Contact Theresa at treetopchildcare@hotmail.com or 715-209-8393 for more information. She had 30-40 attend and it is part of this action so can be combined with other stories

Wednesday-WECAN members stopped in offices and talked to representatives and also had some stop by the room they were in.