Assistant Leader Neguse, Whip Clark, Rep. Pettersen Host Roundtable Discussion on Child Care, Tout Democrats’ Plan to Ensure Access and Affordability

Lafayette, CO — In case you missed it, on Wednesday, October 30th, House Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse welcomed Democratic Whip Katherine Clark to Boulder, Colorado for a roundtable conversation on House Democrats’ plan to make child care affordable and accessible for American families. The Democratic leaders were joined by Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, local officials, and representatives from child care and early childhood education organizations from across Colorado.

Access to high-quality child care expands economic opportunities for parents, but for many American families, the cost of care is simply too high. With caregivers and affordable child care services in short supply due to low wages, it has become incredibly difficult for parents to find classroom slots for their children, especially in rural and mountain communities like those along Colorado’s Western Slope. As a result, child care has become one of the most expensive items in a family’s budget, forcing an estimated 400,000 middle-class families each year into a lower income bracket.

Neguse, Clark, and Pettersen all emphasized the urgency of affordable child care, discussing ways the Federal government can better support families in accessing affordable child care—promoting the development of students and the wellbeing of families. They also highlighted that advancing an affordable childcare agenda would be a top priority for Democrats as they look toward the 119th Congress.

“As a parent of two young children, I know firsthand that access to quality child care and early childhood education is invaluable. These services don’t just give our children the best possible start—they also open doors to economic opportunities for parents and families, empowering us to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “I am incredibly grateful for Whip Clark’s leadership on this issue, and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that every family and young student in Colorado and across America has the tools they need to succeed.” 

“With the leadership of House Democrats, the lack of affordable child care is now part of the national political conversation — aligning with millions of kitchen table conversations across America,” said Whip Clark. “We understand child care is critical to building a robust and inclusive economy. That's why we are committed to stopping the Republican Project 2025 Agenda, which would increase costs on families, and ensuring everyone can find and afford the care they need.” 

“As a working mom with another child on the way, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find child care, and even when you do, nothing ever seems affordable,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “The federal funding from the American Rescue Plan made transformative investments in child care, and now that this funding has expired, Congress must act and continue to build on that progress. It was an honor to join Assistant Leader Joe Neguse and host Whip Katherine Clark – a champion in this fight – to reaffirm our commitment to expanding access to quality child care, which is critical for our economy and the success of our kids and families.”

Additional roundtable participants included Boulder County Commissioners Ashley Stolzmann, and Clare Levy; Chris Coker and Jen Spettel, YMCA Northern Colorado & Southern Wyoming; Mitch Houston and Jessica Tribbett, Clear Creek Schools Foundation; Jessica North, Clear Creek County School Board; Kaycee Headrick, Boulder County Early Childhood Council; Christina Taylor, Larimer County Early Childhood Council; Linda Siptroth, YWCA of Boulder County; and Gabriela Lopez Ortega, City of Boulder Child Care Subsidy Office (CCS).