State Rep. Mary Welander (D-Orange) recently participated in a discussion at the White House about how Connecticut is improving child care.
She was among 91 legislators from 41 states who convened to share recent child care policy achievements and to support their work to make child care more affordable, increase child care providers, and improve job quality for child care workers.
In the 2023 legislation session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a state budget which aimed at bringing expanded child care services by cutting business taxes. The budget also funds pay raises for licensed and unlicensed providers.
“I was honored to meet so many devoted lawmakers from all over the country at the White House. We all share the same passion of supporting children,” Welander said. “In Connecticut, we’re dedicated to making progress on child care access at the state level. We’re continuously working to make child care more affordable and giving families more options for their children. The budget also ensures that child care workers from communities all over Connecticut are getting better wages, which will in turn improve the facilities where we send our children, but there is more work to be done. Hearing concepts from other leaders across the country is a chance and provides inspiration to continue that progress in Connecticut. I would like to thank (House Speaker Matt) Ritter for this incredible opportunity.”
Ritter nominated Welander to attend the White House child care summit because of her continued work to improve child care and early childhood education.
“Rep. Mary Welander is committed to supporting and protecting our children, who are our most valuable asset. Her work impacts children as they begin their educational journeys,” Ritter said.
Welander and her colleagues from around the country also discussed their plans for potential child care legislation for the 2024 legislative session. Welander is on the Committee on Children as well as the Education Committee.