Mikie Sherrill Visits Montclair To Discuss Federal Child Care Funding

MONTCLAIR, NJ — U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill recently hosted a roundtable discussion at the Geyer Family YMCA in Montclair, listening to parents speak about their experiences – and pitching them a federal bill that she says can benefit their families.

Last week, Sherrill – who represents the state’s 11th District, including Montclair – invited local parents and community members to talk about their experiences finding and affording quality child care, especially after the pandemic.

YMCA leaders also discussed their capacity challenges and an “impending federal funding cliff” that they and other child care providers will reportedly face when pandemic relief funds expire at the end of September.

Sherrill later spoke about a proposed federal law she is co-sponsoring, the Child Care for Every Community Act, which she says will “ensure access to high-quality, affordable child care and early learning opportunities by establishing a network of federally-supported, locally-administered child care options.”

“Access to affordable child care is critical for working families, especially for women in the workforce,” the YMCA stated in a news release about the congresswoman’s visit. “Waitlists for daycare, aftercare, and camp spots are now common and the cost is prohibitive for many families.”

It was the third time in two months that Sherrill has visited Montclair as part of a legislative campaign.

In July, the congresswoman hosted a town hall event to discuss gun violence at Montclair State University, which touched on issues such as gun control laws, mental health resources and bipartisan cooperation. Read More: Rep. Mikie Sherrill Holds Town Hall On Gun Violence (VIDEO)

Earlier in August, Sherrill re-introduced the Homeless Children and Youth Act during a news conference at Union Congregational Church in Montclair. Read More: Time To Change Definition Of 'Homeless,' Mikie Sherrill Says

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