Gov. Katie Hobbs has announced that over 900 children will gain access to child care assistance.
In June, the governor signed the Arizona Promise Budget, which distributed $125.9 million in state and federal funds for child care. Hobbs’ press release notes that this is the biggest investment of state general funds in child care since the Great Recession, which lasted from 2007 to 2009.
Hobbs said that as she traveled in the state, she heard from many families about the struggle to afford child care. She explained these stories are why the Arizona Promise Budget included this investment.
The governor added she will “continue to fight for Arizona families and to make child care more affordable and accessible.”
The state government sent families letters, emails and text messages saying they’re now off a waitlist and will receive aid from the Child Care Assistance Program. The program helps Arizonans pay for child care, which allows family members to work and pursue their education.
But many people remain on the waitlist. As of July 25, the Child Care Assistance Program’s website states 3,856 families and 6,449 children are currently on it.
This program only applies to families that have children under age 13.
Reacting to the news about the child care investment, state Economic Security Director Michael Wisehart said he was “grateful” to Hobbs and the Legislature for caring for Arizona’s children and working families.
“This will empower hundreds of families to further their careers and education, knowing their children are cared for,” he explained.
Kelley Murphy, the alliance coordinator for the Arizona Early Childhood Alliance, called this investment “long overdue.” She added that this investment will “help children across Arizona access high-quality early education and help their parents stay in the workforce.”
“We are thankful to the governor and the Legislature for recognizing the importance of putting resources into this essential public service,” she said.
Arizona has the 23rd most expensive child care costs in the U.S., according to WalletHub.
I do not remember voting for such a thing, do you? Helping to have affordable child care does not mean giving out taxpayer money that we do not have.
That’s $140,000 per child. Wow!
interesting number B4F – so that is the game? Fuel money to the organization and its ‘other business’ ? It would be interesting to know ‘just exactly how much each child gets’ how much is ‘administrative’ costs..
That’s great Katie, so very generous of you. But where’s the money coming from? Since only the federal reserve can print money from thin air, either taxes must go up, assigned resources must be re-allocated- I mean, if she wants to take the money from education, law enforcement, AHCCCS, or muh roads, whatever, but it’s got to come from somwhere – or our children and their children have an IOU written in their names without their consent.
Nothing – no matter how benevolent sounding, is free. So who is picking up the tab and who is going to do without so Katie can feel generous?
the Great Recession, which lasted from 2007 to 2009. Is of mention because ?
The result of a large expansion in access to housing credit, helping to fuel the subsequent increase in demand that bid up home prices nationwide. With huge interest rates! and lots of defaults, as well as junk bonds – remember Orange county going under? “CLINTON” effect? Carter.. got the ball rolling! 17.5% home interest rates! with current home prices “INSANE” going to be an “interest” /”price” bubble in the making now.. as greed ‘buy’ ‘sell’ drives housing market now.