Child Care Press Conference
On March 29, 2023, members of our Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 Action Council and Family Council joined Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas, Senator Ram Villivalum, Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, and Senator Omar Aquino at a press conference in Springfield to share their perspectives on the need for accessible, affordable early childhood programs for their families and for children in their programs.
The multi-bill plan prioritizes employee wages, co-payers, eligibility and awareness. One in three families across the nation struggle to connect with affordable and accessible child care – an all-too-common issue millions of Illinoisans face.
Read more: Senators Villivalam, Pacione-Zayas Announce Child Care Agenda
Mindy Parks sharing her story.
Penny Driver speaking at press conference.
Image descriptions of photos reading left to right:
A dark-skinned person is speaking at a podium. Two dark-skinned and four light-skinned people are standing behind the podium, and one person is holding a light-skinned baby. A young light-skinned child is walking in front of the podium.
A light-skinned person is speaking at a podium. Two dark-skinned people and one light-skinned person are standing behind them.
A light-skinned person holding a light-skinned baby is speaking at a podium. Two dark-skinned people and three light-skinned people are standing behind the podium.
A light-skinned person is speaking at a podium. Two dark-skinned people and one light-skinned person are standing behind them.
A close-up photo taken by one of the people in the photo. There are five light-skinned people in the photo who are all smiling.
A light-skinned person is speaking at a podium. Two dark-skinned people and one light-skinned person are standing behind them.