When politicians talk about the economy, they usually talk about inflation, taxes, interest rates, the stock market, and jobs. What they rarely talk about is childcare.
Yet for countless families throughout Indiana’s Second District, childcare is one of their largest monthly expenses. In many cases, it costs as much as a mortgage payment. And that’s if they can find a childcare provider at all.
For Hoosier parents trying to build careers, support their families, and contribute to their communities, affordable childcare isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
The Hidden Workforce Crisis
Every day, Indiana parents make difficult tradeoffs when it comes to work and childcare. Some reduce their hours. Some turn down promotions. Some leave the workforce entirely because childcare costs simply don’t make financial sense.
When that happens, families lose income, employers lose workers, and communities lose productivity.
This isn’t just a family issue. It’s a significant economic issue, especially for rural communities like those in IN-02. Businesses across northern Indiana continue to report workforce shortages. At the same time, many parents remain sidelined by childcare costs and limited availability. In other words, the problems are connected.
Supporting Working Families
We ask parents to work hard, support their children, and contribute to society. We should not make those responsibilities impossible for working families to balance.
Affordable childcare helps parents stay employed, advance their careers, and provide stability for their children. It also strengthens our economy by expanding workforce participation and helping employers find the workers they need.
Investing in Tomorrow
We shouldn’t forget about the obvious benefit of quality early childhood education, either. It’s a really great thing for kids.
Study after study shows that children with access to high-quality early learning opportunities achieve better long-term educational outcomes, develop stronger social skills, and succeed more throughout their lives.
When we invest in children during their earliest years, we are investing in the future of our communities.
Building an Economy That Works
An economy that doesn’t work for working families can’t prosper in the long run. For Hoosier families to get ahead and stay ahead, we must acknowledge the realities parents face every day and create policies that support their success.
Childcare isn’t separate from economic policy. It IS economic policy.
When families thrive, communities prosper. When communities prosper, the promise of the American Dream is realized.
SUPPORT DECIO FOR CONGRESS NOW
Read my Economic Solutions for Indiana’s 2nd District page to learn more about how I plan to fight for you and your family. It’s time to restore the American Dream in Indiana’s 2nd District.