June 16, 2026
The Buffett Early Childhood Institute released the following statements on the Child Care Modernization Act after introductions in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
The legislation would renew the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program to ensure families can access—and afford—quality child care, with several key updates:
- Establishing new grants for child care facility construction and renovation to expand and improve the current supply of child care programs
- Updating CCDBG reimbursement rates to child care providers
- Supporting home-based providers
- Allowing states greater flexibility to expand income-based eligibility for families
June 16, 2026 statement:
"Quality early care and education is critical for working families and building young children’s brains. Yet, child care remains expensive and out of reach for too many families across America.
“The bipartisan introduction of the Child Care Modernization Act in the U.S. House of Representatives allows this critical legislation to move forward this Congress, with needed updates that will support underpaid and underappreciated early educators and expand child care access. These updates will help more families find and afford the high-quality care they need while also supporting a more stable, sustainable child care workforce.
“Thank you to Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Susie Lee (NV-03), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) for their support and introduction of this House bill, as well as Senators Deb Fischer (NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), John Hickenlooper (CO), and Susan Collins (ME) for their introduction of the companion bill in the Senate last year, which the Institute has also endorsed.”
Sept. 19, 2025 statement:
The bill was introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (NE), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), John Hickenlooper (CO), and Susan Collins (ME).
“This bipartisan bill comprehensively addresses foundational challenges in child care, with common sense policies and solutions that are informed by the real-world experiences of those who provide early care and education throughout the United States."