Educate Your Lawmakers About Impact of Childcare Funding Cuts

The Trump administration sent out letters in early January 2026 to five states, freezing about $10 billion in funding for child care and social services programs pending a "thorough review," citing concerns over "systemic fraud." The states—California, Colorado, Minnesota, Illinois and New York—will see a suspension of these funds for three critical programs that offer financial assistance to low income families, help with childcare costs and provide block grants to support foster child programs.

According to Axios, the letters, from the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), "ask the states to provide data on all recipients of federal funding, including names, Social Security numbers and birth dates — in addition to other detailed information dating back years."

While it is important to note that Michigan is not one of the states affected by these cuts, the LWVLC encourages members and the public to educate their lawmakers as to the impact these cuts can have on child welfare, particularly those children in low income households. Learn more here.

The League of Women Voters US supports programs, services and policies at all levels of government to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it, in order to increase access to employment and to prevent and reduce poverty." (Statement of Position on Child Care, as adopted by the 1988 Convention).

"The LWV of Leelanau County, along with local advocates and our state legislators, has acted on this position to expand child care support in recent years." says Sue Miller, chair of the LWVLC Early Childhood Needs and Services committee. "At a time when families count on child care more than ever, child care funding needs to be increased."

LWVLC's Childhood Needs and Services committee is urging members and the public to write your legislators educating them as to the damage the frozen funds will have on children, their families and their communities.

You can find sample emails to Congress here, and even send your email by entering your name and address, or use the emails as examples for emails you write independently. Find out how to reach your representatives on this site.

In addition, you can find examples for social media content as well as texts to friends and family, urging them to educate their legislators as to the impact these frozen funds will have.