New Video Warns Lawmakers of Unintended Consequences
- BY FGA
Naples, FL — A new video released by the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) warns lawmakers of the unintended consequences that government-imposed lockdowns and their instability are having on parents, who rely on childcare.
The video highlights Jackie—a mother of five from Kenosha, Wisconsin—and her struggle to navigate the lack of available childcare options during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Wisconsin—and across the country—hardworking, middle-class families are not just facing a health crisis. They are facing a mental health crisis affecting their children, as well as the inability to go back into the workforce because childcare facilities are operating at a government-required reduced capacity.
Both Jackie and her husband work full-time. Following orders from the Wisconsin government, childcare facilities closed for several months. When they began to open, facilities serviced those Wisconsin deemed as “essential workers.” Jackie and her husband were not categorized as essential workers by Wisconsin. They have had to miss meetings and lose work because of these government regulations, simply because they care about their children.
Jackie offered a path forward, saying “I think it would be very helpful for a lot of families if [child care facilities] were able to take in more kids per child care worker, because more families would be able to utilize daycares, get to work, and get the things done that they need to get done.”
FGA’s President and CEO Tarren Bragdon comments on this new video, saying “Sadly, Jackie’s story is not unique. Being a working parent is tough at any time but particularly now. Across the country, rigid government regulation is driving up costs and reducing safe and accessible child care options for hardworking parents. Restricting childcare hurts families and single parents everywhere: those working hard to escape poverty, or just to put food on the table. Instead, government officials should be supporting people like Jackie by opening up childcare options and being flexible – not just during a pandemic but always.”
You can watch the video here.
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The Foundation for Government Accountability is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, and work reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org
