Wisconsin Republicans Face Backlash Over Child Care Crisis Amid JD Vance Comments

Photo byOffices of Ohio Senator JD Vance

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin Republicans are facing mounting criticism over their perceived inaction on the state’s child care crisis, following comments from Senator JD Vance suggesting that families should rely on grandparents for child care. The suggestion comes as Wisconsin grapples with high costs and low availability of child care, issues that have been further exacerbated by the GOP’s decision to block funding for the state's Child Care Counts program, which aimed to support providers and keep costs manageable.

Child Care Crisis in Wisconsin Reaches Breaking Point

Recent reporting from the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram sheds light on the significant stress that child care providers and families are experiencing across the Chippewa Valley. The crisis is so severe that the Eau Claire City-County Health Department has ranked lack of access to child care as one of the top five health priorities, just below poor mental health.

“Parenting is really hard and it’s harder than it used to be,” said Dr. Jennifer Eddy, director of the Family Resource Center in Eau Claire. “Parents are spending more time at work and they’re spending more time caring for their kids. There’s even a bigger backdrop of an epidemic of loneliness, and on top of it, when you need somebody to watch your kids, it’s very expensive and it’s hard to find.”

The impact on Wisconsin’s workforce is significant. A 2023 report from the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute titled “Childcare in Wisconsin and its Impact on Workforce and the Economy” highlights that the child care shortage is hindering employers from hiring new staff and affecting the productivity of current employees. Dr. Eddy emphasized that many parents are forced to stay home because they cannot afford the high cost of child care, making it unaffordable to return to work.

Child Care Providers Struggle with Low Wages and High Turnover

Valerie Rust, a licensed child care provider operating from her home for the past seven years, spoke candidly about the challenges faced by those in the industry. Rust noted that the low wages paid to child care workers contribute to high turnover rates, which can be traumatic for children due to the inconsistency in care.

“Childcare workers need to be paid more so that they can be consistent,” Rust said. “Having a consistent caregiver is crucial to [children’s] lifelong attachment and learning for the rest of their lives. If there’s a constant change in the person who’s caring for them, it’s trauma-inducing.”

Rust also highlighted the hurdles to maintaining a licensed in-home child care center, pointing out the overwhelming regulations and start-up costs that deter many potential providers. She suggested that state support, in the form of advisory assistance and funding for initial expenses like fire alarms and safety equipment, could help alleviate these burdens and encourage more individuals to enter the field.

Political Response Falls Short

Despite the evident need for action, Wisconsin Republicans have aligned with Senator JD Vance’s remarks that suggest families should look to grandparents for child care solutions, rather than seeking policy changes. Last year, Republicans blocked funding for the Child Care Counts program, a decision that many believe has further strained the child care system.

Critics argue that the GOP’s stance reflects a broader ambivalence toward the needs of working families, particularly in rural areas like Eau Claire. Democrats and child care advocates are calling for more substantial support, including increased funding and policies aimed at stabilizing the workforce, ensuring providers can pay living wages, and expanding access to quality care.

A System on the Brink of Collapse

The child care crisis in Wisconsin continues to push providers and families to their limits. According to the Wisconsin Economic Development Institute’s report, 16 percent of group child care programs are facing closure due to staffing shortages, which force them to cut hours or shut down classrooms. Child care workers in Wisconsin earn an average of $11 to $13 an hour, with many relying on public assistance due to the lack of benefits.

Rust, who plans to retire from her child care business next June, expressed frustration at the current state of the industry. “We’re ready to retire,” she said. “He’s 70 and I’m close behind.”

The departure of experienced providers like Rust only adds to the urgency for policymakers to address the child care crisis before it further destabilizes Wisconsin’s economy and workforce. However, without meaningful intervention, working families may find themselves increasingly left to fend for themselves in navigating the complex and costly landscape of child care.

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