Too often, people think of child care as a “personal issue” — as in an individual personal problem to solve. But the pandemic laid bare the truth we already knew: The crisis working families are facing is not due to personal failings, but is a larger, systemic problem that needs larger systemic solutions and investments. Prioritizing child care can improve the well-being of our children, our own peace of mind and productivity at work, the care workforce, our communities, and the economy!

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that child care is the backbone of our economy, a public good that all of us benefit from, whether or not we have young children. Going back to the broken system we had is not an option.

When families do not have good care options they need, we see the impacts in the next generation of workers and our economy.

The lack of affordable, high-quality child care costs about $57 billion a year in lost productivity, wages, and revenue.

Conversely, if we invest in high-quality, affordable child care, it could boost women’s lifetime earnings by $130 billion–and ensure more stable retirement options.

When America decides something is a common good, we find the funding. History has shown us that even during a time of immense crisis, we can rise to the challenge to truly support our children and families. We can choose to provide quality child care and ensure all our families are able to thrive.

With the latest attacks on women, we need to get them the help they need for families to survive.

MARY O’NEILL,

Presque Isle