A crisis of care — How Congress votes on funding could tip the balance in 2024 

Our nation stands at a precipice, and the time for complacency has passed.  

Our working families, our labor workforce and our communities are grappling with a crisis of monumental proportions. It’s a crisis that has been brewing for far too long, and it’s time we address it head-on. We need to actually lower costs for working families — because that’s what voters want. 

In the hallowed halls of Congress, political maneuvering and ideological clashes have taken center stage, while the very heartbeat of our nation — the well-being of working families — hangs in the balance. We’ve witnessed the chaos that led to the historic ousting of a House Speaker, leaving our legislative body in disarray for three long weeks. And now, as the 45-day reprieve from a government shutdown reaches its conclusion, we find ourselves back at square one, with the clock ticking ominously.

But this is no ordinary crisis. Since the last government shutdown scare, our country has teetered on the edge of a catastrophe, one that threatens to upend the lives of millions. We’re talking about the childcare cliff — a catastrophe triggered by the expiration of pandemic-era childcare relief funding at the end of September.  

The consequences are chilling and are starting to happen now; as many as one in three child-care centers could soon face closure. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the futures of 3.2 million children and their families, who may soon find themselves without a lifeline. This is in addition to the fact that in more than half the states in this country, child care costs more than in-state college tuition. This is crippling working families when bills are due, and must be addressed. 

This is a reckoning moment for us all. The crisis leaves working parents and caregivers facing an unthinkable choice: their livelihoods or the care of their children. The consequences ripple through every facet of society, impacting not only families but also the valiant care workers, who are overwhelmingly women of color. This crisis underscores the critical role of care workers who care for their own families while also tending to our loved ones and our communities. 

Political pundits love to talk about the price of gas, milk and other expenditures, but neglect the price of child care. The average cost of groceries for a family of four in America in 2023 is $973 a month, and more than 60 percent of wage earners cannot afford a modest two-bedroom rental home while working one full-time job. How much does the average family spend on a single child per month? Nearly $1,000. Meanwhile, the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25.  

While the Biden-Harris administration rightfully continues to fight to lower costs for working families, childcare costs in the United States continue to outpace inflation by over 3 percent. This, coupled with rising expenses for groceries, gas and housing, is making child care significantly less accessible, particularly for lower-earning families. These expenses often surpass the cost of public college tuition. The math simply doesn’t add up. 

Early childhood education receives minimal public funding, placing the financial burden squarely on the shoulders of parents. The childcare workforce faces significant challenges due to inadequate wages and benefits, resulting in a declining workforce. 

The White House’s $16 billion domestic funding request is a step in the right direction, but it’s essential to recognize that it’s a temporary measure, a mere stopgap. We need lasting solutions that not only lower childcare costs but also ensure that our children receive the quality care they deserve. Families should be able to work, knowing their children are in good hands, and care workers should receive fair wages. 

This funding request should serve as a blueprint for a more comprehensive approach to care, addressing the needs of our aging population and ensuring a well-supported care workforce. This is not just about addressing an immediate issue; it’s about reshaping our approach to care for the long term. 

The care crisis has forced us all to navigate uncharted territory. Care workers face the threat of unemployment and lost wages, while families are burdened with the dire consequences of losing access to care for their children. This crisis knows no boundaries; it impacts everyone in our nation. But it’s particularly harsh on Black and Brown working families, who bear the brunt of its weight. 

The reality is that every person, regardless of age, race or income, will need care at some point in their lives. This includes every member of Congress. It’s not a luxury; it’s a universal necessity to power and maintain our economy and protect those most precious to us. 

As we approach the 2024 elections, it’s clear that care is already on voters’ minds. We don’t need to convince them — it’s a daily reality for many. The focus should be not just on accepting this domestic funding request but on building a more sustainable and equitable care infrastructure: paid leave, age and disability care, child care and pre-K, and good jobs and wages for those who provide care. This is an opportunity for Democrats to stand up, be bold, and champion the cause of working families, ensuring that care remains a top priority in our nation. 

The choices we make now, the actions we take in Congress, and the decisions we endorse will resonate with voters in 2024. They understand the value of affordable child care, and they recognize that care is not a privilege but a necessity. It’s a necessity for our economy, our workforce, and our families. By lowering childcare costs, we uplift the livelihoods and hopes of working families. This is not just about votes; it’s about fulfilling the promise of a brighter future for all.  

Congress has a chance to act now. This is the Democrats’ moment to step up and be the change-makers our economy needs. Voters are watching.  

Hillary Holley is the executive director of Care in Action, working on behalf of more than 2 million domestic workers and care workers across America.