Coalition marches, rallies and pushes for $480 million investment in state budget
MADISON, Wis. – A record-breaking 350 advocates marched, rallied and advocated for $480 million in state funding for the child care sector at 2025 Child Care Advocacy Day held earlier this week.
Momentum from morning training sessions at The Concourse Hotel carried over to the Capitol steps with a march and rally followed by visits with nearly all of the offices of the state’s elected officials – an event believed to be the largest child care advocacy event in recent memory. Chants of “Kids first. Families first. Invest in child care now!” echoed throughout the Capitol Square and downtown Madison, drawing the attention of legislators, staffers, passersby and media before a powerful lineup of speakers shared stories and calls to action.
“The energy was contagious,” said Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) Executive Director Ruth Schmidt after the event. “No one can say they ‘haven’t heard about child care’ as the 2025-27 state budget process continues. The message was sent loud and clear.”
Advocates from all across Wisconsin – including child care providers, parents, business leaders and community officials – participated in the event, which came just days after survey results were released that indicate a quarter of regulated providers are likely to close their doors if the state fails to allocate public funding once pandemic-relief funds expire this summer. Without a state investment, those closures and significant rate increases are expected.
At the same time, it recently was announced that the Trump administration is likely to propose completely eliminating funding for Head Start in the federal budget. That cut would impact more than 15,000 families and more than 4,000 employees in Wisconsin. This has sparked further concern about a deepening Wisconsin child care crisis – one that already has been worsening for years and was escalated by the pandemic.
“This group of advocates accomplished something truly magical,” said WHSA Executive Director Jennie Mauer. “And, it could not have come at a more important time for child care in Wisconsin. We are excited about this day of action, but we can’t let up on the momentum. We have to keep fighting for what’s best for Wisconsin’s children and families.”
WECA, Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA) and Raising Wisconsin organized the April 16 event.
