a.a.c news
July 5, 2024
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Dear Members,
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As we navigate the critical issues shaping children and child care advocacy in Wisconsin, I encourage you to reach out to me with any news, thoughts, or opinions you have observed in your area of the state. I am here to work for you and collaborate to improve our state. It is essential to me that our group does not operate in a silo, as true advocacy requires engagement.
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The Child Care Counts program in Wisconsin has been a crucial support system for child care providers, enabling them to remain operational and maintain high-quality care. Recently, the program has been extended into its fifth round, running from July 2024 to June 2025. This extension aims to provide ongoing financial stability to child care providers, ensuring they can continue to recruit and retain qualified staff and offer exceptional care for children. However, there are concerns about potential funding cuts, as the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has indicated challenges ahead for the program's funding.
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Governor Tony Evers has recently expanded the Wisconsin Child Care Tax Credit, doubling the state's contribution to match 100% of the federal credit. This measure provides critical financial relief and enhances access to quality child care statewide, potentially saving families with two or more children up to $4,000 annually.
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Recent conversations with members have highlighted a significant increase in child care costs across the state, ranging from 20% to 30% over the past year. Factors contributing to this rise include inflation, wage increases, workforce availability, and various other economic factors. My concern regarding ARPA funding and Child Care Counts is that if funds were allocated as wage increases and the funding ends, child care providers may struggle to cover the gap once the program concludes. It is difficult to operate a business when funding changes or if you don’t know if it will be there from one year to the next. Our state needs to streamline its funding and give child care providers assurances and not questions, year after year.
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Advancements in AI technology have sparked discussions on improving child safety, particularly in preventing abductions, as highlighted in various online sources. I continue to monitor these developments to advocate for responsible use of technology in safeguarding our children.
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Your engagement and support are invaluable as we navigate these dynamic times in child advocacy. Together, we can continue to make meaningful strides toward a brighter future for Wisconsin's children and families. Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission.
Warm regards,
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Jared Key
President
Association for the Advocacy of Children
May 10, 2024
Welcome to the inaugural post from the association for the advocacy of children (a.a.c.)! Our mission is to enhance the well-being of children in the Midwest, specifically in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, fostering environments where they can thrive.
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At a.a.c., we focus on several key initiatives: Childcare Access and Affordability, Foster Care Reform, Educational Equity, Human Trafficking Prevention, and Mental Health Support. These areas are crucial for ensuring the safety, health, and development of our region's youth.
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As a true advocacy association, our aim is to amplify the voices of those directly impacted by these issues. We bridge the gap between frontline workers, community members, and elected officials, chambers, and leaders who may not have daily exposure to these challenges. We believe that effective communication is vital in addressing the disparity between the needs of our children and the resources available to them.
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Our goal is to serve as a conduit and advocate, facilitating dialogue and action between organizations and policymakers. By fostering collaboration and understanding, we strive to effect meaningful change for the benefit of our children and communities.
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Thank you for joining us on this journey. We invite you to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or offers of support. Together, we can make a difference for the children of the Midwest.