BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — In order to keep essential workers, working, childcare is a must during the pandemic. Some child care providers say they are running into issues.
“Employment insurance fund has completely drained. We have no more funds in our unemployment insurance,” explained Sofia Mado, the owner of a child care facility in Buffalo.
One provider and parent in Chautauqua County says daycares are going out of business. “We need your support and we need funding and more than anything we need operational support. Right now, a lot of the providers in my county, over 50%, have closed,” said Beth Starks.
That support would be from the federal government. Wednesday night, politicians met with day care providers to discuss infusing money into the child care industry. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was a part of the virtual town hall. She says she hears everyone's concerns and will be pushing for the Childcare is Essential Act. The bill would provide $50 billion in funding for childcare providers over the next year. Anyone who uses any of the relief funding would need to keep all employees on their staff.
Senator Gillibrand says she is trying to get this act included in the next COVID-19 relief bill.
