February 25, 2025 – Austin, Texas
Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to testify before the Texas House Appropriations Committee, advocating for increased childcare funding through the Texas Workforce Commission.
With more than 90,000 Texas families currently stuck on a paused waitlist and childcare providers struggling with rising costs and new mandates, this issue goes far beyond childcare—it impacts the entire Texas workforce.
Why Childcare Funding Matters
During my testimony, I shared the financial strain that providers across Texas are facing:
- Reduced class sizes that lower revenue but don’t reduce fixed costs.
- Stagnant reimbursement rates that fail to keep pace with inflation.
- Workforce funding gaps that don’t cover the true cost of care.
When providers can’t sustain their programs, families lose access to childcare. And when parents can’t work, every industry in our state feels the ripple effect.
More Than Numbers—Real Families, Real Businesses
This fight isn’t just about line items in a budget. It’s about real families who can’t afford to wait years for a spot. It’s about small business owners who pour their lives into creating safe, nurturing spaces for children but struggle to make the math work.
As a current preschool owner and a childcare business broker, I see firsthand how these funding shortfalls weaken both small businesses and the broader workforce. Without stronger investment, we risk losing not just programs, but the people and passion that keep early education alive in Texas.
Standing Together
I was proud to stand alongside so many dedicated childcare owners who showed up in Austin to make our voices heard. Advocacy takes courage and persistence—and the presence of so many providers made a powerful statement.
But this can’t stop here. Now, lawmakers must act.
How You Can Help
If you are a:
- Provider: Share your story with legislators. Let them know how funding challenges impact your center.
- Parent: Remind your representatives that access to childcare is what allows you to work and contribute to the economy.
- Community Member: Speak up—because investing in childcare is investing in the future of Texas.
You can find your local representative here: https://capitol.texas.gov/ . A quick email or phone call truly makes a difference.
Looking Ahead
This is just one step in a much larger movement to protect and strengthen childcare in Texas. I’m committed to continuing this advocacy work—not only for the providers who keep our communities running, but for the families and children who depend on them every single day.
