Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020 Clark, House members call for $21B+ investment in childcare in response to COVID-19 Federal resources would help those facing fi nancial hardship W ashington, D.C. – U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark (5th District of Massachusetts), who is Vice Chair of the House Democrat Caucus and an Appropriations Committee member, joined with Reps. Jimmy Panetta of California, Cheri Bustos of Illinois, Joe Kennedy and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and eight other members of Congress to call for the inclusion of over $21 billion in childcare funding to support states, families and childcare providers in the wake of the COVID-19 national emergency. Members are asking for federal dollars to be included in the third stimulus package currently being drafted by Congress. “Child care is the backbone of our nation’s economy. Yet, for decades, we have failed to invest the public dollars needed to ensure that all families have access to high-quality, aff ordable child care and that providers are wellcompensated for their critical work,” wrote the members. “The COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting the unfortunate consequences of a long-time underinvestment in our child care infrastructure, and therefore, immediate action must be taken to address these gaps for child care providers, educators, families.” Child care providers that have been forced to close because of COVID-19 have stopped receiving the revenue necessary to pay their staff and other operational costs. As a result, the longer this crisis goes on, the more providers there will be that will be forced to close their business permanently. A survey from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) of more than 6,000 providers from March 1216 showed that 30% of providers would not survive a closure of more than two weeks. In other words, they will not survive without direct public investment to cover operational and staffi ng costs. Moreover, some providers are forced to stay open to support essential workers in health care, grocery, transportation and other critical industries, and many lack the resources necessary for additional cleaning supplies, staff hazard pay, substitute teachers, paid sick leave, and health-related training. On the other end of the equation, families facing job loss or reduced hours are experiencing financial insecurity. These families should not be forced to pay for childcare during this time when their finances are stretched so thin. Simultaneously, providers should not be expected to make up the diff erence between what families can pay and what it costs to care for children. The letter calls for fi nancial resources to: • Pay providers to cover their ongoing operating costs when they are closed so their fi nancial security, and the security of educators they employ, is not threatened. This must include centers as well as home-based providers and other subsidized, informal care arrangements. Four tips from a WalletHub expert to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic Following are tips from WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzalez. Ask your bank for help “Many banks and credit unions have stated they are willing to off er assistance to people who face temporary fi nancial hardship due to the coronavirus. These might include measures like being able to skip a payment, having temporarily lower rates, getting fees waived or having a credit line increase. If you fi nd yourself struggling fi nancially, call customer service to make your case. Make sure to clearly and politely articulate the reasons for your hardship.” Focus on maximizing savings “Most people’s jobs aren’t immune to the coronavirus. So, it’s a good idea to set aside as much money as you can from each paycheck in case coronavirus impacts your ability to work or causes you to have additional medical expenses. Even beyond the current situation, it’s always good to have an emergency fund. Avoid panicking about stocks, too, and just remember that it’s only a matter of time until the virus runs its course.” Take advantage of travel insurance but know the limits “If your travel provider cancels a trip because of the coronavirus, a ‘trip cancellation or interruption’ policy might help you get your money back. Some credit cards offer this benefi t for free, though issuers have been cutting back in recent years. Keep in mind that if you cancel your own trip out of fear of the virus, your insurance policy probably won’t cover you unless you have coverage for canceling ‘for any reason’ or doctor’s orders to quarantine yourself.” Use credit cards, not cash “Though there’s not much evidence to show that touching cash spreads coronavirus, it’s theoretically possible, and the Federal Reserve has been quarantining bank notes from Asia. China also burned some of its currency that had been circulated through the Wuhan area. Using a credit card’s contactless capability may help give consumers more peace of mind. Plus, credit cards can be used for online purchases, allowing consumers to avoid shopping at crowded stores. In addition, consumers that decide to stock up on essential items and spend more than usual in the coming months can recoup some of that expense, and get some extra time to pay, by using a rewards credit card.” For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net • Eliminate copayments or tuition for families during this crisis and ensure that providers are still paid the full amount for that enrolled slot. • Provide paid leave for educators and provide funding to providers to fully cover this cost. • Find and pay for substitute educators, where needed and when available. • Provide higher levels of compensation, such as hazard pay for childcare providers and educators serving children of frontline workers or operating for longer hours. • Help state or local agencies or other organizations keep track of childcare programs that are closing and those that have available slots, in order to identify childcare providers that may need assistance and to match supply and demand. • Purchase materials for providers that cannot aff ord or even fi nd supplies on their own. • Pay for staff at call centers and childcare resource and referral agencies to respond to the needs of childcare workers, including to assist them in offering guidance to the families they serve as they cope with the current crisis. • Provide training and medical support for childcare providers on health and safety practices in response to COVID-19, available in all relevant languages. Additionally, House Democrats are calling on the third stimulus package to include expanded paid leave, unemployment insurance, cash payments, housing assistance, and other supports for families and communities. The supports should be designed so that all childcare providers and educators, whether in centers, home-based providers, or other subsidized, informal care arrangements, can participate and take advantage of the benefi ts. Ginny Lecaroz, Owner Saugus, MA 339-206-1970 missgspetsittingservice@gmail.com Fully insured Fully certied AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Spring Season?!! AC SPECIAL Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2008 CADILLAC DTS Platinum Package, Loaded, Excellent Condition, Warranty, Only 83K Miles! LUXURY PRICEDRIGHT! $7,995 Easy Financing Available! 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