Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., has introduced a new measure aimed at addressing the current childcare issues faced by families nationwide due to affordability concerns. The bill proposed by the Nevada Democrat seeks to provide relief by allowing certain nonprofit childcare providers to access loans through the Small Business Administration.
Rosen emphasized the impact of the lack of affordable childcare options on hardworking families, particularly as they grapple with rising costs. The bipartisan Small Business Child Care Investment Act, co-introduced by Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, aims to increase the number of childcare providers by supporting nonprofits with federal resources, ultimately expanding access to childcare for families.
Ernst, as the chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, highlighted the importance of affordable and high-quality childcare in aiding small businesses to attract and retain skilled employees. The legislation is designed to streamline processes, broaden options, and reduce costs for families, especially in rural areas.
The bill would enable nonprofit childcare providers to access loan programs like 7(a) and 504, which can be utilized for various expenses such as real estate, construction, and remodeling. Rosen's office noted that the initiative would not only create local jobs but also offer families more choices, while assisting childcare institutions in sustaining and expanding their operations.
During the 2024 election, affordability and the impact of high inflation emerged as significant concerns, contributing to President Donald Trump's widespread support. Despite Trump's success in swing states like Nevada, Rosen, along with a few other Democratic senators, managed to secure re-election.
