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Dads Speak Up for Child Care

June 16, 2025



WORT 89.9FM Madison · Dads Speak Up For Child_Care

Many new parents expect sleepless nights, diaper changes and other life changes resulting from having a child.  What comes as a shock to many, though, is the high cost of child care.  According to the advocacy group Kids Forward, a Wisconsin family with one infant and one toddler can expect to pay over two thousand dollars a month for care.  With Wisconsin already lagging other states in public spending on child care, and with federal Head Start programs on the chopping block, a coalition of child advocates has proposed the state include $480 million for child care support in the 2025-2027 biennial budget.  On June 11, in advance of Father’s Day, Kids Forward sponsored a “Dads Care for Child Care” listening session at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Aliya and Tyler Stephenson (photo by Brian Standing) Paula Drews (photo by Brian Standing) Wisconsin Assembly District 81 Representative Alex Joers (photo by Brian Standing)

Featured image: Panelists (from left to right) Evan Dannells, Peng Her and Alex Joers. (Photo by Brian Standing)

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