Advocates call on Wisconsin state legislators to provide more support for child care

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) - Community leaders are trying to raise awareness to what they call a lack of support for child care.

Those with “Wisconsin Early Childhood Action Needed” said state legislators need to do more when it comes to helping child care providers. A rally was held at Phoenix Park Saturday to blast the biennial budget Tony Evers recently signed.

Those at the rally also called for more initiatives like employer investment in child care for workers. One child care provider is concerned that without help there will not be child care for working parents.

“There are centers closing. 25% of centers in Wisconsin will close. In Eau Claire County its 20%. Rates are going up,” said Julia Bennker. “Tuition is going up next month. Some families that have been here today have told us their tuition is going up but they didn’t know why.”

WECAN said there is legislation currently being reviews by a committee in Madison. The bills are to said to be able to help child care in Wisconsin with $480 million.