Statement from Aly Richards, CEO of Let’s Grow Kids, on the FY26 Budget Bill

"The FY26 budget bill passed by the House and Senate includes continued public investment in our child care system and funding to expand critically needed child care capacity. As the advocacy organization leading Vermont’s child care movement, we fully support this budget bill.

"In a difficult fiscal year and in the face of deep uncertainty around federal funding, this budget prioritizes funding for one of the most critical needs in our child care system: infant and toddler access. Through a 5% increase in reimbursement rates for infants and toddlers, this budget will help child care programs expand capacity where it is needed most. The bill also invests in the early childhood education workforce and includes language that will help preserve child care funding in the future. This budget protects and builds upon the progress we have made through Vermont’s groundbreaking child care law, Act 76.

"We’re asking Governor Scott to sign this budget into law so we can continue making progress on child care."