Investing in Child Care: Why It Matters for Wisconsin’s Faith Communities
The first task of the 2025-2026 legislative session is to pass the biannual budget. You can watch Governor Tony Evers give his 2025-27 state budget address before a joint session of the State Senate and Assembly in the state Capitol on Tuesday, Feb 18th at 7:00 PM. There are many opportunities to engage in the budget process as various groups advocate for priorities. One group that the WCC has been involved in is Raising Wisconsin. Thank you to Dana for sharing her wisdom!
About Me & My Journey in Early Childhood Advocacy
My name is Dana Schmock, and I am the coordinator of Raising Wisconsin, a multi-sector initiative that advocates for early childhood investment with a foundation of support from a wide range of partners and organizations. My passion for early childhood education (ECE) stems from professional and personal experience — teaching infants through preschoolers but leaving my position due to unaffordable child care for my own children. As a child care director, I witnessed the challenges of the field, which led me to pursue a master’s degree in ECE Policy.
Tell me a bit about Raising Wisconsin - what is it? Why does it exist?
To understand Raising Wisconsin, it’s important to first recognize the role of child care in Wisconsin. Child care is essential to our communities and economy, enabling parents to work, supporting businesses, and boosting the state’s economy. It’s also directly linked to women’s participation in the workforce.
Despite its importance, child care remains a failed market. Programs rely almost entirely on parent tuition, yet rising costs make it increasingly unaffordable. At the same time, low early educator wages contribute to workforce instability. Parents can’t pay more, and teachers can’t earn less. The American Rescue Plan Act helped stabilize child care in Wisconsin through the program Child Care Counts, but funding ends in June 2025, risking closures and rising costs.
This is where Raising Wisconsin’s coalition is important: It brings together early childhood, business, health care, social justice, and faith-based groups like the Wisconsin Council of Churches that advocate for an ongoing investment in child care. The coalition’s power is the breadth of voices it brings together.
Why Should Churches Care About Child Care?
Child care is not just an economic issue—it’s a moral and community development opportunity that impacts families, congregations, and community wellbeing.
A strong child care system supports family stability, economic security, and child development – values that align with faith-based principles of justice and compassion. Advocating for child care is an extension of the church’s mission to support families and strengthen communities.
The Budget Process & How to Get Involved
Wisconsin operates on a biennial budget cycle, meaning this year the 2025-27 budget is being developed. Governor Tony Evers recently provided a sneak peek during the State of the State Address, and the official budget release is set for Feb.18. Once released, the Joint Finance Committee will take center stage, reviewing the Governor’s proposal, making changes, and shaping the final budget. The current budget expires on June 30.
This is a critical time for public engagement. Attending public hearings and listening sessions, reaching out to lawmakers through calls, emails, and letters, and sharing personal stories are ways to advocate. Legislators track how often issues are raised, so voices matter. Stay informed by following Raising Wisconsin and other advocacy groups.
Take the next step by organizing your community to take action. Host a letter-writing campaign at your church or community center, encourage families to share their experiences, and call for investment in child care. Hold an event focused on supporting thriving families, where community members can learn about the issues, hear from local advocates, and take action together. Collective efforts send a powerful message to policymakers that child care is a priority for faith communities and the well-being of all Wisconsin families.
Where to Learn More
Follow Raising Wisconsin on Facebook or Instagram and visit RaisingWisconsin.org to learn more about how you can stay informed and get involved. Sign up for alerts to stay updated on key issues and opportunities for action.
