Local lawmakers, DCF discuss WI child care issues, solutions
April 20, 2021 1:53 AM Molly Ringberg
Monday two local Democratic lawmakers talked about issues surrounding child care during a virtual round table.
State Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse) and State Sen. Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) were joined by Dept. of Children & Families Secretary Emilie Amundson to discuss child care in Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ 2021/23 biennial budget.
The state’s goal is to find a sustainable, long-term solution to make child care equitable and inclusive for all families in the state.
To do this – issues surrounding access, affordability, quality, and the child care workforce are being addressed.
By Josh Spreiter
Jan 12, 2021 8:05 AM
MADISON, Wis. – Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Secretary Emilie Amundson announced Tuesday that Wisconsin was awarded a Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) Renewal, totaling $30 million over the next three years.
According to a release, Wisconsin previously received a $10 million PDG B-5 Planning Grant. That one-year funding helped the department gather information about Wisconsin’s early care and education system, grow best practices, and develop a strategic plan. The PDG B-5 Renewal Grant is based on the strategic plan developed by DCF, the Department of Public Instruction, and other partners, and which includes feedback and guidance from the department’s early care and education stakeholders.