Rj,
In October 2019, we visited Luke Air Force Base and heard firsthand from Arizona servicemembers about their challenges accessing childcare on-base.
We got to work following that visit, and that’s why we recently introduced the bipartisan Childcare Expansion for Military Families Act with Republican Senator Kevin Cramer (N.D.).
Our bill aims to improve childcare for our servicemembers by investing $15 million over two years in funding for “minor” military construction — to be used for construction expenses expanding childcare centers on military installations.
The legislation also directs the Department of Defense to examine the availability of local infant and early childhood mental health consultation services in and near military bases to address the unique needs of military children.
The bipartisan Childcare Expansion for Military Families Act is supported by military advocates including Zero to Three, the National Military Family Association, and the Military Child Education Coalition.
Arizona servicemembers put their lives on the line to keep us safe and secure, and it is our duty to ensure their access to safe and reliable childcare services. We’ll continue working directly with Arizona servicemembers to improve and expand childcare services across our military installations.
Sincerely,
Senator Kyrsten Sinema