United WE Statement Celebrating Signing of Bipartisan Child Care Bill in Kansas

(TOPEKA, KANSAS) – United WE today applauded Gov. Laura Kelly’s signing of House Bill 2045, legislation that establishes the Kansas Office of Early Childhood and streamlines the state’s child care licensing system. The legislation aligns with key recommendations from United WE’s data-driven research, “The Economics of Childcare and Childcare Licensing in Kansas.”

“Solving the child care crisis requires data-informed, bipartisan solutions,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE, who attended today’s signing ceremony. “Kansas families and businesses tell us that affordable child care simply can’t wait – and our research confirms the lack of affordable child care is squeezing family budgets, keeping women out of the workforce, and hindering economic growth. We thank Governor Laura Kelly, the legislative sponsors, and all who contributed to this consensus-driven effort. United WE will continue to advance research and solutions that ensure all women and families can thrive – and that begins with access to affordable, high-quality child care.” 

Earlier during the Kansas legislative session, Wendy Doyle–on behalf of United WE–testified in support of HB 2045, highlighting the organization’s research showing that the lack of affordable child care is a barrier to economic opportunity.