http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/childcare-roundtable-ec-2026-s458.jpgWisconsin Child Care Closures Are Imminent as Bridge Payments Expire June 30.

EAU CLAIRE – State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Brunswick) and Senate Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) hosted a community roundtable today to discuss child care affordability challenges facing Wisconsin providers, families and the regional economy.

The roundtable comes as the state's Child Care Bridge Payments program is set to expire on June 30, 2026. A poll conducted of child care facility directors last year showed up to 25% of them are considering closing all together as a result of this program expiring.

"Child care affordability and accessibility are among the most urgent issues I hear about from constituents," said Sen. Smith. "When Bridge Payments expire at the end of June, childcare centers will close, parents will be forced out of the workforce and costs will skyrocket even more. We’ve been advocating to extend this for over a year now, and Republicans have ignored us time and time again.  Soon we will all see the result of their inaction.”

"Child care is infrastructure. It's essential to our economy and our communities," said Sen. Hesselbein. "When facilities close, parents leave the workforce. When costs skyrocket, working families struggle to afford basic needs. We need long-term, sustainable solutions that make child care more affordable."

Child care directors, staff, parents and community members shared concerns and offered ideas to help Sen. Smith and Sen. Hesselbein with their legislative efforts in the next session. Legislators committed to developing solutions to ensure child care remains accessible and affordable for all Wisconsin families.