Kansas Rep. Tracy Mann co-sponsors bill to expand rural childcare
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KAKE) - A U.S. representative from Kansas has introduced a bill that aims to expand shortages in rural childcare.
Tracey Mann, who represents Kansas' First Congressional district, along with fellow Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Lauren Underwood and Jim Baird have also signed on to the bill, has introduced the Expanding Childcare in Rural America (ECRA) Act, which aims to lower costs of childcare in agricultural and rural communities, while also improving its availability and quality.
“Sadly, many Kansas parents in rural parts of our state who are trying to both raise a family and continue their careers are faced with a lack of accessible and affordable childcare options,” said Rep. Mann. “Our bill shrinks the childcare desert in rural communities and ensures parents who want to work can do so while having resources to care for their children. This is a common sense, pro-family piece of legislation that rural America needs and I’m proud to support it.”
“Young families in rural communities like mine are strapped for options when it comes to finding childcare and have to drive for hours before and after work to drop their kids off and pick them up,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Where you live shouldn’t dictate whether or not your kid has a place to spend the day while you’re on the job, and our bipartisan bill would make it easier for working families in all of our communities to get the affordable childcare they need.”
The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to authorize and prioritize projects that address availability, quality and cost through several programs and initiatives, including through loans and grants.