In Reno, Rosen Hosts Roundtable Discussion About Lowering Child Care Costs, Increasing Availability

RENO, NV - Today, in Reno, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) held a roundtable discussion with child care providers to hear directly from them about how she can continue to support child care providers and take actions to lower child care costs for Nevada families. A recent report labeled the entire state of Nevada as a "child care desert," and found that nearly 75 percent of children below the age of five don't have access to a licensed child care provider. The report deemed the cost of child care a "huge concern" in Nevada and found it often to be more expensive than college tuition. Senator Rosen's bipartisan Small Business Child Care Investment Act, which advanced out of committee last year, would help bring more affordable, high-quality child care to Nevada families.

"As hardworking Nevada families confront rising costs that are putting a strain on their budgets, I'm doing everything I can to lower the cost of child care," said Senator Rosen. "I was glad to meet with child care providers in Reno to discuss how my bipartisan legislation would support them and help make child care more affordable for Nevadans."

"The Children's Advocacy Alliance is pleased to host U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen for a critical discussion on the urgent need for quality, affordable child care in Nevada," said Holly Welborn, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Alliance. "With nearly 75% of young children lacking access to licensed providers and child care costs exceeding in-state college tuition, our state faces significant economic challenges. As pandemic-era funding diminishes, immediate state and federal-level solutions are essential. Decision makers must invest in a comprehensive 21st-century child care system that ensures equitable access for all families, supports providers with fair wages and conditions, and enhances investments in the Child Care Development Block Grant. Together, we must prioritize robust actions to strengthen child care accessibility and affordability across Nevada."

Senator Rosen continues working to lower child care costs for Nevada's hardworking families. Last year, during a confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Rosen secured a commitment from General David Allvin, Air Force Chief of Staff, to cut red tape in a program designed to make child care available for military families like Airmen at Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases who work overnight shifts. Additionally, Senator Rosen joined in introducing the Child Care for Working Families Act, legislation that would help lower child care costs for an average American family to no more than $10-a-day.

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