August 22, 2026
Dear Friends,
Affordable, accessible childcare is an essential pillar of any strong economy. It allows parents to work, creates jobs, and increases disposable income for households. Beyond the economic realm, childcare also delivers other very real, lasting benefits by enabling children to play, learn, and grow in a safe, nurturing environment — setting them on the best possible path for future success and happiness at an early age.
Despite the clear and well-known benefits of childcare, it remains woefully unaffordable for far too many families in our Capital Region and beyond.
This week, I visited the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC)’s Summer Camp at Mechanicville Elementary School, where I met with childcare providers, educators, parents, and kids to discuss the importance of childcare and to speak about the efforts my Democratic colleagues and I are making to address the rising cost of living. This summer camp provides care for more than 100 children — delivering meals, offering children a safe place to socialize and play, and giving parents peace of mind knowing their kids are well taken care of.
I was thrilled to help secure more than $1 million in federal funding for MACSC as part of the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. That funding will go toward the creation of the Mechanicville Community Corner — a “Community Campus” that will serve as a cornerstone of support networks for the greater Mechanicville Area. This campus will include a 3,200-square-foot childcare facility as well as a space to provide community meals, workforce development opportunities, domestic violence and mental health supports, family development and senior health resources, and much more.
I believe that every family who wants it should be able to access high-quality, affordable childcare services like those that MACSC provides. That’s why I’m pushing in Congress for Child Care for Every Community Act, which will deliver significant federal funding for states and localities to quickly provide universal access to affordable childcare in every community across the country. Under this legislation, half of all families nationwide would pay no more than $10 a day for childcare, while costs for all families will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.
In a nutshell, the Child Care for Every Community Act will help parents and families access high-quality care for their children without breaking the bank.
Even as my Democratic colleagues and I reaffirm our commitment to affordable childcare, this administration continues to rip apart safety net programs while prices for everyday items — from gas and groceries to health care and utilities — continue to rise, with seemingly no end in sight. Just this week, the national debt surpassed $40 trillion for the first time ever. Despite Trump’s promise to lower federal spending, the debt has doubled since Trump took office for his first term 10 years ago.
It’s clear that this administration’s actions are not boosting our economy — they are tanking it. The good news is that we can reverse this concerning trend while still ensuring that our families receive the benefits and support they need. All it requires is a change in the priorities of those in Congress. Rather than rubberstamping the president’s reckless war with Iran or supporting tax cuts for billionaire donors, we can invest in Medicare and Medicaid. Instead of dumping hundreds of millions to build a gilded ballroom in the White House, we must put those dollars in the classroom, and ensure our children have the care and support they deserve.
I have the will to get it done. I’ll keep pushing for my colleagues to do right by their communities and deliver for the American people.
As always, thank you for reading.
Your friend,
DID YOU KNOW?
My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from governments and agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:
- I’m hosting a Capital Region Housing Expo this coming Tuesday to make sure you have the information you need to navigate today's housing landscape.
- The event will bring together more than two dozen local housing organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, renters’ rights advocates, and community partners to offer direct support, answer questions, and provide practical guidance on housing programs, eligibility, and pathways to homeownership and securing or maintaining affordable housing and rental assistance.
- TO REGISTER, learn more details, and see which organizations will be in attendance, CLICK THIS LINK HERE
- Please note: registration is required to attend Tuesday’s event.
- I hope to see you there!
