In addition, those groups who choose to go along with the gag rule will be unable to respond to all the needs of their patients and communities. There is also a chilling effect stemming from the global gag rule. The bill would ensure that overseas NGOs cannot be denied US family planning aid based on restrictions of medical services or information or on the exercise of free speech rights that do not also apply to US-based groups. Quality, Affordable Child Care NCJW supports increased funding to help ensure the affordability and quality of child care, school-age programs, and Head Start for all eligible children. We believe that the Child Tax Credit and Dependent Care Tax Credit should be improved and made refundable.
More parents work outside the home than ever before.
Child care costs can be prohibitive. A 1998 Census Bureau analysis showed that no matter what their income, child care is the third greatest expense after housing and food for famlies with children between ages three and five. In most states, the average annual cost of child care is higher than the average annual cost of public college tuition. No state is currently serving all eligible children and only five states have set their income eligibility guidelines at the maximum allowable under federal law, leaving many low-income families ineligible for child care assistance. Research shows that the quality of child care has a long-term impact on achievement in school, their earning potential as adults, and the likelihood that they will avoid involvement with the criminal justice system.