Child Care Crisis in Wisconsin

The Child Care Crisis is Impacting Our Families, Businesses, and Economy

Wisconsin families and businesses urgently need your support. Join us to address the child care crisis.

Understanding the Child Care Crisis

WMTV 15 News Coverage

Stick around until the end for essential information that compares childcare costs to the cost of attending college.

Meeting with the Community

*Program starts about one minute in.*

Economic Impact Snapshot

73% of Wisconsin employers say affordable child care directly impacts our economy.

Child care shortage costs Wisconsin $4.2 to $6.4 billion annually.

Families spend up to 50% of their income on child care for one infant.

77% of child care providers in rural Wisconsin have waiting lists; 18% risk closure due to low staffing.

74% of parents have missed work due to lack of childcare.

65% of employers feel it is a way to retain employees.

54% of employers report higher productivity when employees' childcare needs are met.

Empower Your Voice

Download Your Free Letter Templates

Whether you’re an employee looking to express your concerns or an employer seeking effective communication, our customizable letter templates are here to help. Choose the version that fits your needs, and don’t forget to grab our comprehensive office contact list (PDF) to streamline your outreach.

Each template is fully customizable so you can personalize your message before sending it.

Joint Budget Session Times & Locations

A biennial state budget that is moving through our legislative process. We wanted to alert you to four upcoming Joint Finance Committee (JFC) public hearings that are an opportunity to make your voice heard on the 2025-2027 Wisconsin State Budget. The first Joint Finance Committee hearing will be held in Kaukauna on Wednesday, April 2.

Biennial State Budget Joint Finance Committee Public Hearing Schedule
 
Kaukauna, Wednesday, April 2
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Kaukauna High School Auxiliary Gymnasium (Door AA4)
1701 County Road CE
Kaukauna, WI 54130
 
West Allis, Friday, April 4
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center (Park at Gate 4)
640 South 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
 
Hayward, Monday, April 28
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hayward High School Auditorium
10320 Greenwood Lane
Hayward, WI 54843
 
Wausau, Tuesday, April 29
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Northcentral Technical College – Center for Health Sciences
1000 West Campus Drive
Wausau, WI 54401

Resources & Downloads

Detailed Insights and Stories

Together, we can create lasting change for Wisconsin’s future.

Support Our Efforts

Take Action Today

Join hundreds of Wisconsin businesses advocating for critical state investments in child care:

Voices of Our Community

“How as a state can we fail working families so much? And this is not just a family issue. If you rely on working parents in any way—whether they are working with you, for you, or providing goods and services—you WILL be impacted.”

 

—Wisconsin Parent

Questions?
 
Mary Vogl-Rauscher

MVoglRauscher@RichardsBenefits.com

920-887-0499