Child Care for Working Families Act: A Comprehensive Approach to the Child Care Crisis

The Child Care for Working Families Act, introduced by Senators Tim Kaine, Patty Murray, and a bipartisan group of cosponsors, aims to address the growing child care crisis in the United States. The legislation was introduced in response to the skyrocketing cost of child care, which has outpaced inflation and now averages $13,128 per year, a 29% increase since 2020. This financial burden forces many families to choose between their jobs and caring for their children, ultimately holding back the economy and the nation's workforce.

Key Takeaways:

• The average cost of child care for two children exceeds median rent in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
• The cost of care for one infant exceeds in-state university tuition in 41 states, including Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
• The child care crisis costs the U.S. economy over $100 billion annually.
• The Child Care for Working Families Act would make child care affordable for working families, with a typical family earning the state median income paying about $10 a day for child care.
• The legislation would also increase the supply of high-quality child care, improve child care deserts, and support higher wages for child care workers.
• Child care workers would be paid a living wage and achieve parity with elementary school teachers who have similar credentials and experience.
• The bill would dramatically expand access to high-quality pre-K and support Head Start programs.
• Senator Kaine has introduced bipartisan legislation to make child care more affordable and accessible, and provisions from his previous legislation were signed into law by President Trump in July 2025.

Statistics:

• Average cost of child care: $13,128 per year
• Increase in child care costs since 2020: 29%
• States with average child care costs exceeding median rent: 49
• States with child care costs for one infant exceeding in-state university tuition: 41
• Economic cost of the child care crisis: over $100 billion annually
• Proposed daily child care cost for families earning the state median income: $10

Sources:

• Kaine, T. (n.d.). Child Care for Working Families Act. Retrieved from
• Murray, P. (n.d.). Child Care for Working Families Act. Retrieved from
• Senate HELP Committee. (n.d.). Child Care for Working Families Act. Retrieved from