Senator Marshall Introduces First-Ever Childcare Provision to Farm Bill Framework

Washington - U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) introduced the Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act, legislation that aims to strengthen childcare access, affordability, and quality in rural communities across America.

The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development programs to prioritize projects that expand childcare options for families, workers, and employers across rural America, helping address one of the biggest workforce and quality-of-life challenges facing small towns and farming communities.

"In every corner of Kansas, I've heard from families and business owners alike that childcare is critical to their communities," said Senator Marshall. "With summer break underway and many parents adjusting schedules and searching for care options, the need for accessible childcare is top of mind for families across rural America. This bill is laser-focused on expanding rural childcare infrastructure and helping put our kids on the path to a bright future. I'm proud to introduce the first-ever childcare provision in a Farm Bill framework, and I look forward to getting it across the finish line."

This bill is co-sponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), and Maggie Hassan (D-New Hampshire).

"As a mother and grandmother, I know firsthand that access to dependable, high-quality child care is essential for working families and the strength of our rural communities across Iowa," said Senator Ernst."No parent should have to worry about whether they can find affordable, reliable care close to home, especially in our rural Iowa communities where options can be limited. That's why I'm proud to support this legislation to expand the availability of child care centers, improve the quality of care for our children, and give Iowa families peace of mind."

"Affordable, quality childcare is essential to a family's success, but for folks in rural areas and small towns, it's often out of reach," said Senator Smith."Some Minnesotans are forced to drive 50 miles or more to take their kids to daycare, and those childcare providers have an even harder time finding staff. This bill will improve quality, availability and affordability of childcare in Greater Minnesota and be a boost to their local economies."

What the bill does:

• Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an initiative addressing the availability, quality, and cost of childcare in rural areas.
• Requires the Secretary to give priority in loan and grant selection to applicants using funds to address rural childcare through the USDA Rural Development loan and grant programs.
• Mandates that USDA compose a comprehensive evaluation of project types, communities served, and socioeconomic impacts of the programs.

Click here to read the full text of the legislation.

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