AFSCME supports the bipartisan Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act (H.R. 2722).
Many AFSCME public safety members work long and irregular hours, making it hard for them to get regular child care services.
This measure will help more law enforcement and corrections officers get access to child care. It will also help with recruitment and retention. And it would help increase the number of women taking on these essential public safety roles.
The bill calls for spending more than $100 million over the next five years to create child care programs that support law enforcement and corrections officers.
One important part of this bill is that it now includes corrections officers in the definition of law enforcement. AFSCME was instrumental in winning this expanded definition.
This bill seeks to create a pilot program run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. States can apply for grants and partner with local law enforcement, child care centers and community groups.
The money can be used to support law enforcement officers with child care costs, train child care workers, help with start-up costs, care for sick or disabled children, and more. Smaller agencies will get special attention, with 20% of the funds set aside for those law enforcement agencies (LEAs) with fewer than 200 officers.
“Corrections officers work long, unpredictable hours — nights, weekends, holidays — and that makes child care a constant challenge for many of our members,” said Andres Nevarez, president of AFSCME Local 2745 (Council 18) in New Mexico.
“Access to child care assistance would be more than just helpful; it would be a tool in our toolbox that would be life-changing,” Nevarez added. “It would ease a major financial burden, provide peace of mind, and allow officers to stay focused on their critical work while knowing their families are supported. This kind of support would have a real impact on retention, morale, and overall well-being.”
To make sure the program works for families in law enforcement, there will be two studies. A four-year study will investigate which other first responders have unmet child care needs. A two-year study will determine who is using the programs, how child care providers are meeting the needs of the communities, and what types of partnerships are being created to apply for these funds.
This bill is based on an existing program at the San Diego Police Department and has support from both Democrats and Republicans.
Our union supports child care services for all workers with extended hours. If this pilot program is successful, it could be expanded across the country, including in areas where dedicated child care providers are AFSCME members.