Dads Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), released the following statement urging CNN to ask presidential candidates about affordable child care at tonight’s debate:

“Our broken child care system costs families over a quarter of their monthly income, is one of the most significant drags on our economy and weighs heavily on the minds of American families every day. Every person in power has an obligation to their community and to the next generation to have a clear plan that addresses the child care crisis and sets every child and family up for success—as a parent, that’s what I want to hear about at tonight’s debate and I know I’m not alone. As Chair of the Dads Caucus, I’m urging CNN to ask the presidential candidates a question that’s on millions of families’ minds: What is their policy to make sure every family can secure affordable, quality care for their children?”

A recent poll found that a majority of voters (89%) across party lines want candidates to have a plan or policies ready to help working parents afford high-quality child care. Nearly 3 million parents with young kids have been forced to quit a job or make other job changes due to child care issues. Overall, the child care crisis is costing our economy $122 billion every year.